Data from medication adherence app developer MedAdvisor shows a significant surge in patients ordering medications via their online app, with over the counter medicines such as paracetamol and Ventolin being stockpiled along with common prescription medicines for cardiovascular disease, stomach ulcers and depression.

MedAdvisor is warning that there will be a dire medication shortage if hoarding continues, as orders surge more than 130 per cent compared to three weeks ago.