Swiss families face 14-month Dafalgan syrup shortage until spring
Switzerland's ongoing shortage of Dafalgan syrup has left families struggling for over 14 months. The widely used children's pain and fever medicine remains out of stock, forcing parents to pay full price for an alternative. Manufacturers now say relief is on the way, but not until spring.
The shortage began in late 2025 when Swissmedic, the regulatory body, required packaging changes for Dafalgan syrup. Initially, only the non-insured version, Dafalgan Dolo, received approval for the new design. This left the standard, insurance-covered syrup unavailable while production stalled.
UPSA, the company behind the medicine, admitted that poor communication worsened the situation. Families found themselves paying the full cost of Dafalgan Dolo, which is chemically identical but not subsidised. Many have voiced frustration over the unexpected expense, especially when prescriptions no longer reduced the price.
Production of the updated, insurance-covered packaging will finally start in late February at UPSA's plant in Agen, France. The first shipments are scheduled for March, with pharmacies expecting a gradual restock over the following months.
The shortage has lasted since late 2025, but the first new supplies should arrive in March. Pharmacies will receive batches throughout spring, easing the pressure on families. Until then, parents will continue facing higher costs or limited access to the medicine.
