CVS and Walgreens are limiting purchases of popular kids' fever and pain medications as winter illnesses drive up demand

• Kids pain and fever medications are in short supply this season, as wintery illnesses spike.
• CVS is limiting customers to 2 products each, both in store and online.

Two top pharmacy chains in the US are limiting how many children's pain and fever medications customers can buy — the latest sign that pharmacies are struggling to keep up with demand for basic cold & flu remedies, as respiratory illnesses spike nationwide.

CVS is limiting customers to a "two product limit on all children's pain relief products at all CVS Pharmacy locations and cvs.com," a CVS spokesperson told Insider via email Monday afternoon. The spokesperson did not provide details on how the limit would be enforced, but said the move was done in the name of ensuring "equitable access for all our customers."

Walgreens is also implementing an "online only" six-product limit on all over-the-counter pediatric fever reducers, including medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil), a spokesperson said, a move the company blamed on "increased demand and various supplier challenges." There is no current limit on in-store purchases at Walgreens.

Pharmacists have been saying for weeks that it's been tough to source key medications for kids including fever reducers, pain relievers, albuterol, and popular antibiotics like amoxicillin. The shortages are, at least in part, the result of the early arrival of cold and flu season this year, weeks before manufacturers were ready to anticipate seasonal surges in demand.

Doctors advise there are still ways to source medication for your sick children, including trying compounding pharmacies, working with your doctor to source different brands or formulations, and shopping around.