Pharmacists in Canada are predicting that the shortage of oxycodone-containing medications will persist into the upcoming year, even as the availability of another category of pain relief drugs has improved following a nationwide disruption over the summer.
In July, Health Canada issued a notification regarding the scarcity of drugs that combine acetaminophen with oxycodone, including the widely recognized brand Percocet.
Additionally, there was a shortage of acetaminophen with codeine, which is found in Tylenol 3.
This situation was expected to last until early autumn and stemmed from manufacturing issues.
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 medications containing codeine, like Tylenol 3, have returned to availability. However, supplies for Tylenol 2 and 4 remain limited, as these are prescribed less frequently.
The ongoing shortage of acetaminophen with oxycodone continues, with Faisal stating that the manufacturer has reported some supply will be accessible in December, although back orders will create limitations.
“We are optimistic that the situation will improve by the new year,” Faisal remarked.
She noted that alternative pain medications with similar components can be prescribed by healthcare providers.
Mina Tadrous, an associate professor at the University of Toronto’s pharmacy faculty, explained that transitioning a patient’s pain medication often requires significant time and resources, further straining an already burdened healthcare system.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Florida permission to procure less expensive wholesale prescription drugs from Canada, raising concerns about potential drug shortages in this country.
“It’s crucial to communicate with pharmacists and a healthcare team before running out of medications, as no one wants to face such a situation at the last minute,” Tadrous emphasized.
Currently, there are between 1,500 and 2,000 active drug shortages reported across Canada, according to the Canadian Pharmacists Association.
Tadrous indicated that the impact of shortages is more pronounced when they affect commonly used medications.
“When a shortage occurs or there are disruptions in the supply chain, it resembles a slow-moving train that eventually hits,” Tadrous noted.
“The challenge is that once the supply is exhausted, it can take months to restock.”
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