Pharmacists in Canada anticipate an ongoing shortage of oxycodone-containing medications into the upcoming year, following a nationwide disruption that occurred earlier in the summer. Health Canada issued a notification in July regarding low supplies of drugs containing acetaminophen with oxycodone, including popular brands like Percocet. Additionally, there was a scarcity of acetaminophen with codeine, such as Tylenol 3.
Initially expected to be resolved by early fall, the shortage was triggered by production interruptions. These medications are commonly prescribed for various conditions, ranging from acute injuries to chronic back pain. According to Sadaf Faisal, the senior director of professional affairs at the Canadian Pharmacists Association, the codeine-based medications like Tylenol 3 are now back in stock. However, supplies of Tylenol 2 and 4 remain limited as they are less frequently prescribed.
The deficit of acetaminophen with oxycodone continues, but Faisal mentioned that the manufacturer has projected some availability by December, albeit with constraints due to back orders. Faisal expressed optimism that the situation will likely improve by the beginning of the new year. She suggested that healthcare providers can recommend alternative pain medications with similar ingredients.
Mina Tadrous, an associate professor at the University of Toronto’s faculty of pharmacy, pointed out that transitioning a patient to a different painkiller can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, adding strain to an already burdened healthcare system. Tadrous emphasized the importance of consulting pharmacists and healthcare teams early to prevent running out of medications suddenly.
The Canadian Pharmacists Association reports that there are typically between 1,500 and 2,000 active drug shortages in the country at any given time. Tadrous highlighted that shortages of commonly used medications have broader implications, likening the impact to a slow-moving train that eventually culminates in significant consequences. He noted that replenishing depleted supplies can take several months.
The article includes a video discussing concerns about potential drug shortages in Canada following the U.S. FDA’s approval for Florida to import prescription drugs from Canada. This development has raised fears within the Canadian healthcare industry about potential shortages.