Pharmacists anticipate a continued shortage of oxycodone-containing medications in Canada into the upcoming year, though the supply of another painkiller type has improved following a nationwide disruption over the summer.
Health Canada issued a notice in July regarding a scarcity of drugs containing acetaminophen with oxycodone, including branded products like Percocet. Additionally, there was a deficit of acetaminophen with codeine, such as Tylenol 3, due to manufacturing disruptions, initially projected to last until early fall.
These medications are typically 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 codeine-based medications like Tylenol 3 are 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, with some expected supply in December, albeit with constraints due to back orders. Faisal expressed hope for an improvement in the situation by the new year.
Faisal highlighted that healthcare providers can suggest alternative pain medications with similar ingredients. Mina Tadrous, an associate professor at the University of Toronto’s faculty of pharmacy, emphasized that transitioning a patient’s pain relief regimen can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, adding strain to an already burdened system.
According to the Canadian Pharmacists Association, there are typically 1,500 to 2,000 active drug shortages in Canada at any given time. Tadrous noted that shortages of commonly used medications have broader implications, likening the impact to a gradual-moving train that eventually culminates in significant disruptions.
He further explained that once a medication is depleted, it may take several months to replenish supplies, underscoring the challenges posed by drug shortages in the healthcare system.