People are being urged not to stockpile medicine amid shortages.
The number of medications out of stock in Ireland has jumped by over a third in the last year, with 241 unavailable.
30 antibiotics and a number of eye drops are among those affected.
Consultant respiratory physician, Dr. Marcus Butler, has this advice for anyone concerned about supply:
'To talk in the first incidences to their pharmacies about potential over the counter alternatives that may be available. Some of these shortages are specific to a specific product but there are alternatives generic versions of the same product that have to be available with guidance from the pharmacist. Talk to their GP if it is prescription item where once again they're may be an alterative option.'
