Canada’s prescription painkiller shortage expected to last until 2026
Pharmacists say shortages of prescription drugs containing oxycodone are expected to continue in Canada into the new year, while supplies of another type of painkiller have increased since nationwide disruptions over the summer.
In July, Health Canada sent out a notice about shortages of drugs that contain acetaminophen along with oxycodone, including the brand-name Percocet drugs.
There was also a shortage of acetaminophen with codeine, including Tylenol 3.
It was believed to last until early autumn and was caused by manufacturing disruptions.
These medications are prescribed to treat a wide variety of conditions, from acute injuries to chronic back pain.
Sadaf Faisal, senior director of professional affairs at the Canadian Pharmacists Association, said codeine-containing medications like Tylenol 3 are back in stock. Supplies are still limited for Tylenol 2 and 4, he said, adding that these are prescribed less frequently.
Shortages of medications containing acetaminophen with oxycodone continue and Faisal said the manufacturer has indicated some supplies will be available in December, although there will be constraints due to back orders.
“We hope the situation will improve by the new year,” Faisal said.
He said there are other painkillers with similar ingredients that health providers can prescribe as alternatives.
Mina Tadrus, an associate professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, said changing a patient’s pain medication can take a lot of time and resources, putting a strain on an already strained system.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given Florida permission to buy cheaper bulk prescription drugs from Canada, rekindling fears of drug shortages in the country.
“It is very important to talk to pharmacists and a team before you run out of medication because no one wants to deal with the day when you have nothing left,” Tadrus said.
According to the Canadian Pharmacists Association, at any given time, there is a shortage of 1,500 to 2,000 active medications in the country.
Tadrus said that when there is a shortage of commonly used medicines, its impact is felt on a large scale.
“When there’s a shortage or some supply chain breaks, it’s like a slow train. It takes time and then kind of hits,” Tadrus said.
“The problem is that once it runs out, it takes months to refill it.”
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