The supply shortage of Sudafed (ingredient: pseudoephedrine hydrochloride), used for cold and sinus congestion relife, is likely to be resolved in November.

An official from the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Pharmaceutical Affairs Division said so at a meeting with journalists covering the ministry on Wednesday while explaining measures to address the unstable supply of the prescription cold medicine.

To resolve the long-term supply instability of Sudafed, the ministry held a public-private consultation in September, deciding to investigate pharmacies hoarding the drug and causing its shortage and discipline them in January 2024 while raising the price of the drug on Oct. 1 to increase production.

In response to concerns about a shortage of prescription drugs for cold, the ministry has devised a plan to reduce pharmacy inventories caused by hoarding and increase production by pharmaceutical companies.

"The drug price hike went into effect on Oct. 1,” the official said. “If we increase production from then on, we expect that the shortage problem will be eased from now, as they will be distributed from November."

Regarding hoarding by pharmacies, he mentioned many returns after the investigation and the announcement of the administrative penalty plan.

"The number of Sudafed returns increased significantly in September and October. It was confirmed that a large proportion of the one-year return volume was made in the two months," he said. "The return effect will also impact solving the shortage."

The official explained that the ministry is discussing with the Korean Pharmaceutical Association how to evenly supply Sudafed, the production of which has increased due to increased drug prices.

"The medical field says there is still a shortage, so it seems that supply management will be necessary until it is stabilized," the official added.