Pharmacists anticipate an ongoing shortage of oxycodone-containing medications in Canada, with the supply of another type of painkiller having increased following a nationwide disruption over the summer. Health Canada had issued a notice in July regarding a scarcity of drugs combining acetaminophen with oxycodone, including popular brands like Percocet. Additionally, there was a deficit of acetaminophen with codeine, such as Tylenol 3, resulting from manufacturing disruptions, initially expected to be resolved by early autumn.
These medications are commonly prescribed for various conditions ranging from acute injuries to chronic back pain. Sadaf Faisal, the senior director of professional affairs at the Canadian Pharmacists Association, mentioned that Tylenol 3, containing codeine, is now back in stock. However, there remains limited availability of Tylenol 2 and 4, which are less frequently prescribed.
The shortage of acetaminophen with oxycodone is ongoing, with expectations of some supply becoming available in December, although with constraints due to back orders. Faisal expressed optimism that the situation might improve by the start of the new year. She highlighted alternative pain medications containing similar ingredients that healthcare providers could recommend.
Mina Tadrous, an associate professor at the University of Toronto’s faculty of pharmacy, emphasized the time and resources required to switch a patient’s painkiller, adding strain to an already burdened system. The Canadian Pharmacists Association reports between 1,500 and 2,000 active drug shortages nationwide at any given time. Tadrous explained that shortages of commonly used medications have widespread repercussions, likening the impact to a slow-moving train that eventually leads to significant disruptions.
Prompt communication with pharmacists and healthcare teams ahead of medication depletion is crucial, as Tadrous stressed the importance of proactive planning to avoid last-minute crises. The challenges of replenishing depleted supplies further compound the issue, often taking months to resolve.