Shortage of prescription painkillers in Canada expected to last until 2026
Pharmacists say a shortage of medications that contain oxycodone is expected to continue in Canada into the new year, while supply of another type of painkiller has increased since a countrywide disruption in the summer.
In July, Health Canada sent out a notice about a shortage of drugs that contain acetaminophen with oxycodone, which includes those by the brand name Percocet.
There was also a shortage of acetaminophen with codeine, which includes Tylenol 3.
It was supposed to last until early fall and was caused by manufacturing disruptions.
These medications are prescribed to treat a range of ailments, from acute injuries to chronic back pain.
Sadaf Faisal, senior director of professional affairs at the Canadian Pharmacists Association, said the codeine-containing medications such as Tylenol 3 are back in stock. Supply is still limited for Tylenol 2 and 4, which she said are prescribed less often.
The shortage of drugs containing acetaminophen with oxycodone is ongoing and Faisal said the manufacturer has indicated some supply will be available in December, although there will be constraints because of back orders.
"We are hoping that by the new year the situation will improve," Faisal said.
She said there are other pain medications with similar ingredients that health providers can prescribe as alternatives.
Mina Tadrous, an associate professor in the University of Toronto's faculty of pharmacy, said switching a patient's painkiller can take a lot of time and resources, placing pressure on an already stretched system.
"Talking to pharmacists and a team early before you run out of medications is so important because no one wants to be dealing with it the day that you have nothing left," Tadrous said.
At any given time, there are between 1,500 and 2,000 active drug shortages in the country, according to the Canadian Pharmacists Association.
Tadrous said it's when shortages hit commonly used medications that the repercussions are felt on a larger scale.
"When a shortage happens or some supply chain break happens, it's sort of like a slow-moving train. That takes time and then kind of hits," Tadrous said.
"The problem is, once it's depleted, it also takes months to replenish it."
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