Children's Medication Price Gougers 'On Notice': NY AG Letitia James

NEW YORK — New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a strong warning against those who would take advantage of a crisis to make a quick profit after receiving reports of retailers price gouging on children's painkillers and fever reducers in the midst of a "tripledemic" causing nationwide shortages.

As the shortage of children's painkillers and fever reducers due to increased demand during this year's "tripledemic" of COVID-19, RSV and the flu grows, James warned retailers Monday that price gouging is illegal. She said her office has become aware of reports of children's medicine being sold online and in stores at exorbitant prices often two or three times their retail value. James urged New Yorkers to be on the lookout for potential price gouging of children's medications, including Tylenol, Motrin, and generic brands of acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin, and to report any drastic price increases to her office.

See: Children's Medicine Shortages Have Local Parents Worried Sick

"This year’s tripledemic is keeping many kids and babies sick at home, and families trying to care for them are confronting the national shortage of children’s Tylenol and other medication," James said in a statement released Monday. "The last thing any family needs when a child spikes a fever or is in pain is to be price gouged on the medication they need. I am putting profiteers seeking to take advantage of this shortage on notice. If New Yorkers see big price increases for children’s medication, I encourage them to report it to my office immediately."

New York law prohibits retailers from taking advantage of customers by selling goods or services that are vital to health, safety, or welfare at an "unconscionably excessive price." Due to the country-wide shortage, the AG's office recommends that consumers only buy as much children’s medication as they actually need and to not unnecessarily stock up since panic-buying might worsen the shortage and lead to sellers illegally price gouging. Consumers are also reminded that merchants are allowed to limit the amount of children's medication that they sell to individual customers.

When reporting potential price gouging to the AG's office, consumers should report the specific increased prices, dates, places and type of medication being sold. Copies of sales receipts and/or photos of the advertised prices should also be provided, if possible.

New Yorkers can report their potential price gouging concerns here or call 1-800-771-7755.