Pharmacists are anticipating an ongoing shortage of oxycodone-containing medications in Canada as the new year approaches. Conversely, the supply of another type of painkiller has rebounded following a nationwide disruption in the summer.
In July, Health Canada issued a warning regarding a scarcity of acetaminophen with oxycodone drugs, including popular brands like Percocet. At the same time, there was also a deficit of acetaminophen with codeine, which includes Tylenol 3. Initially expected to resolve by early fall, the shortage was attributed to manufacturing disruptions.
These medications are commonly prescribed to address a variety of conditions, ranging from acute injuries to chronic back pain. Sadaf Faisal, the senior director of professional affairs at the Canadian Pharmacists Association, noted that Tylenol 3, containing codeine, is now back in stock. However, the availability of Tylenol 2 and 4 remains limited as they are less frequently prescribed.
The shortage of medications containing acetaminophen with oxycodone persists. Faisal indicated that the manufacturer has forecasted some supply to be accessible in December, albeit with constraints due to existing back orders. Faisal expressed optimism that the situation would improve by the start of the new year.
She highlighted that health providers have the option to prescribe alternative pain medications with comparable ingredients. Mina Tadrous, an associate professor at the University of Toronto’s faculty of pharmacy, emphasized the challenges involved in transitioning a patient to a different painkiller, underscoring the strain it places on an already overburdened healthcare system.
According to the Canadian Pharmacists Association, there are typically between 1,500 and 2,000 active drug shortages in the country at any given time. Tadrous warned that shortages of commonly used medications have broader implications, likening the impact to a slow-moving train that eventually culminates in significant disruptions. He noted that once depleted, it can take several months to replenish the supply.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently permitted Florida to import prescription drugs from Canada at lower costs, sparking concerns about potential drug shortages in Canada. It is crucial for individuals to communicate with pharmacists and healthcare professionals early to avoid running out of essential medications.
This article is supported by the Canadian Medical Association as part of Canadian Press health coverage.
