Indigestion and heartburn medicine hard to locate in Woolworths, Coles, pharmacies

By Samantha Allen

Published: August 17, 2022 | 8:13 AM GMT

A popular medication on which the everyday lives of many Australians depend has gone from store shelves due to a worldwide scarcity of a key component.

Recently, it has been difficult to locate the popular heartburn and indigestion remedy Gaviscon at pharmacies and supermarkets Woolworths and Coles. According to news.com.au, this is due to a lack of a highly special kind of seaweed that is only farmed in Norway and is one of the primary components in Gaviscon.

Gaviscon said that there were many causes for the shortfall.

Poor weather conditions and low harvest yields have led to the shortfall, the business stated in a statement.

‘Only alginates generated from a certain species provide the exact properties required for use in the production of efficient heartburn and indigestion remedies such as Gaviscon.

We are carefully working with our supply partners to secure as much manufacturing as possible, and we will do our best to guarantee that our customers, patients, and healthcare professionals have access to the heartburn and indigestion therapy they rely on. 'Customers may notice reduced availability for Gaviscon both in-store and online and we're working closely with the supplier to try and maintain a consistent flow of stock,' a Woolworths spokesperson said In a statement, Gaviscon said: 'The shortage is a consequence of poor weather conditions and low harvest yields' Australians have been unable to purchase the popular medicine Gaviscon, due to a shortage of a very specific type of seaweed that is only grown in Norway and is one of the main ingredients

We recognize that this is a challenging circumstance, and we value your ongoing confidence at this unique moment. Customers may notice lower Gaviscon availability in-store and online, and we are working closely with the supplier to ensure a regular supply flow,’ a Woolworths spokesman said.

Due to worldwide supply chain problems, we are experiencing shortages of some Gaviscon products, according to a Coles spokeswoman. We continue to monitor supplies and collaborate with our suppliers to enhance availability.’

Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) tend to increase with age and are a common complaint among males over the age of 30.

About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.