If you've ever dealt with heartburn or indigestion, you understand the value of having options like Gaviscon available.

Gaviscon, one of the most popular brands used to treat these conditions, works by generating a protective barrier that floats on top of the stomach's contents, preventing stomach acid from leaking into the oesophagus.

It is something that many people all over the world, including Aussies, consider to be an absolute necessity to have in the medicine cabinet.

But more and more shoppers aren't able to find the product in stores such as supermarkets and local pharmacies. And apparently, this is because of a shortage of one key ingredient.

A worldwide shortage of a particular type of seaweed has disrupted the production of an essential medical product. Credit: ePharmacy.​

Reckitt Benckiser, the company that makes Gaviscon, has issued a statement saying that the reason for the global supply problems is due to a scarcity of a particular kind of seaweed that is only farmed in Norway.

The main ingredient in Gaviscon is medical-grade sodium alginate, which is made from this specific type of seaweed.

'The shortage is a consequence of poor weather conditions and low harvest yields,' the company said in a statement.

'Only alginates derived from a specific species have the precise characteristics to be used in the manufacture of effective heartburn and indigestion products such as Gaviscon.'

'We are working diligently with our supply partners to secure as much production as possible and will do our best to ensure our consumers, patients and healthcare professionals have access to the heartburn and indigestion treatment they love and trust.'

Several regular customers have noticed the shortage and some have even taken to social media to try to figure out why they can't buy the products they need.

'Has Gaviscon double advance 600ml been discontinued, as I cannot find it online to buy anywhere that isn't way over price?' one person asked on Twitter.

Another agreed and said, 'Why is there a shortage of Gaviscon Advance Peppermint oral suspension? None in pharmacies. It is the only effective treatment for those of us with oesophagus removal…'

A third user took to their community Facebook group to ask: 'Does anyone know which chemist has infant Gaviscon in stock? There's a supply issue or something, and I can't seem to find one that has it in [stock].'

Many Australians have noticed that they can't find Gaviscon in supermarkets or pharmacies. Credit: News.com.au.​

Major supermarkets, such as Coles and Woolworths, have also confirmed that they are experiencing shortages of the product as a result.

'Due to global supply chain challenges, we are experiencing shortages with some Gaviscon products. We are continuing to monitor supply and are working with our suppliers to improve availability,' said a representative for Coles.

A spokesperson for Woolworths also issued a statement, saying: '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.'

Many people have trouble with heartburn or acid reflux so it’s essential they keep a supply in their house.

Gaviscon can usually help bring relief, but because there is a worldwide shortage, you can try this easy exercise to alleviate heartburn symptoms straight away instead. We know it’s not the same, but we hope it provides some relief. Watch the video below:

Credit: Liebscher & Bracht – The Pain Specialists​

Members, we hope this helps to explain its sudden absence from shelves! It is important to keep in mind that if your symptoms continue, you should get in touch with your primary care physician as soon as possible.

 

[RTS]

I find that a couple of sips of water works to ease heartburn. I usually get it from eating more than one scone hot out of the oven because they're so delicious.

 

[Suzanne rose]

My daughter and I went to the shops yesterday and was amazed at how many shelves were empty in both Coles and woollies. We were searching for a particular baby vitamin that both stores were out of .

Frozen vegies in both stores were cleared out

I said to my daughter I think there is a big problem with shortages that they aren't saying maybe to stop panic buying

 

[Ricci]

Gaviscon is only one of several pharmacy items that are currently unavailable. One of my Insulin injections has been impossible to get for at least 4 weeks now and consequently my sugar readings have been varying wildly from the norm. It's a worry as the ongoing situation shows no sign of easing, leading to health implications further down the track.

 

[Cagey]

Something I use when I am caught short of antacids: drink a few mouthfuls of milk then chew a plain (not flavoured!) water cracker and chew the cracker until it is thoroughly coated with your saliva and soggy, then swallow. It works as a cork would and stops the "backflow" of acid.

 

[gordon1940]

I find that the tip of teaspoon of Bicarbonate of Soda in half a glass of warm water fixes my Acid problem. Beware the Burp.

 

[Ezzy]

If you've ever dealt with heartburn or indigestion, you understand the value of having options like Gaviscon available.

Gaviscon, one of the most popular brands used to treat these conditions, works by generating a protective barrier that floats on top of the stomach's contents, preventing stomach acid from leaking into the oesophagus.

It is something that many people all over the world, including Aussies, consider to be an absolute necessity to have in the medicine cabinet.

But more and more shoppers aren't able to find the product in stores such as supermarkets and local pharmacies. And apparently, this is because of a shortage of one key ingredient.

A worldwide shortage of a particular type of seaweed has disrupted the production of an essential medical product. Credit: ePharmacy.​

Reckitt Benckiser, the company that makes Gaviscon, has issued a statement saying that the reason for the global supply problems is due to a scarcity of a particular kind of seaweed that is only farmed in Norway.

The main ingredient in Gaviscon is medical-grade sodium alginate, which is made from this specific type of seaweed.

'The shortage is a consequence of poor weather conditions and low harvest yields,' the company said in a statement.

'Only alginates derived from a specific species have the precise characteristics to be used in the manufacture of effective heartburn and indigestion products such as Gaviscon.'

'We are working diligently with our supply partners to secure as much production as possible and will do our best to ensure our consumers, patients and healthcare professionals have access to the heartburn and indigestion treatment they love and trust.'

Several regular customers have noticed the shortage and some have even taken to social media to try to figure out why they can't buy the products they need.

'Has Gaviscon double advance 600ml been discontinued, as I cannot find it online to buy anywhere that isn't way over price?' one person asked on Twitter.

Another agreed and said, 'Why is there a shortage of Gaviscon Advance Peppermint oral suspension? None in pharmacies. It is the only effective treatment for those of us with oesophagus removal…'

A third user took to their community Facebook group to ask: 'Does anyone know which chemist has infant Gaviscon in stock? There's a supply issue or something, and I can't seem to find one that has it in [stock].'

Many Australians have noticed that they can't find Gaviscon in supermarkets or pharmacies. Credit: News.com.au.​

Major supermarkets, such as Coles and Woolworths, have also confirmed that they are experiencing shortages of the product as a result.

'Due to global supply chain challenges, we are experiencing shortages with some Gaviscon products. We are continuing to monitor supply and are working with our suppliers to improve availability,' said a representative for Coles.

A spokesperson for Woolworths also issued a statement, saying: '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.'

Many people have trouble with heartburn or acid reflux so it’s essential they keep a supply in their house.

Gaviscon can usually help bring relief, but because there is a worldwide shortage, you can try this easy exercise to alleviate heartburn symptoms straight away instead. We know it’s not the same, but we hope it provides some relief. Watch the video below:

Credit: Liebscher & Bracht – The Pain Specialists​

Members, we hope this helps to explain its sudden absence from shelves! It is important to keep in mind that if your symptoms continue, you should get in touch with your primary care physician as soon as possible.

Would have been nice for sufferers if Gaviscon themselves had made this information available. People needing this could have made alternative arrangements before this time. I am one of those people who suffers from reflux but not as much as l used to. If l had been using Gaviscon & only just been told of the shortage l wouldn't be very happy.

 

[June E]

Sounds a bit like Milanta that disappeared all of sudden. I don’t remember why or even if it ever came back I used to take occasionally before going to Gaviscon.