Prescription pills containing oxycodone and acetaminophen are shown in this June 20, 2012 photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy
ROYTORONTO - Pharmacists say a shortage of medications that contain oxycodone is expected to continue into the new year, while supply of another type of painkiller has increased since a nationwide disruption in the summer.
In July, Health Canada sent out a notice about a shortage of drugs that contain acetaminophen with oxycodone, which includes those by the brand name Percocet.
There was also a shortage of acetaminophen with codeine, which includes Tylenol 3.
It was supposed to last until early fall, caused by manufacturing disruptions.
These medications are prescribed to treat a range of ailments, from those enduring acute injuries to chronic back pain.
Sadaf Faisal, senior director of professional affairs at the 好色tv Pharmacists Association, said the codeine-containing medications such as Tylenol 3 are back in stock. Supply is still limited for Tylenol 2 and 4, which she said are prescribed less often.
The shortage of drugs containing acetaminophen with oxycodone are ongoing and Faisal said the manufacturer has indicated some supply will be available in December, though there will be constraints because of backorders.
鈥淲e are hoping that by the new year the situation will improve,鈥 Faisal said.
She said there are other pain medications with similar ingredients that health providers can prescribe as alternatives.
Mina Tadrous, an associate professor at the University of Toronto鈥檚 pharmacy faculty, said switching a patient鈥檚 painkiller can take a lot of time and resources, placing pressure on an already stretched system.
鈥淭alking to pharmacists and a team early before you run out of medications is so important because no one wants to be dealing with it the day that you have nothing left,鈥 Tadrous said.
At any given time, there are between 1,500 and 2,000 active drug shortages in the country, according to the 好色tv Pharmacists Association.
Tadrous said it鈥檚 when shortages hit commonly used medications that the repercussions are felt on a larger scale.
鈥淲hen a shortage happens or some supply chain break happens, it's sort of like a slow moving train. That takes time and then kind of hits,鈥 Tadrous said.
鈥淭he problem is, once it's depleted, it also takes months to replenish it.鈥
This report by 好色tvwas first published Nov. 3, 2025.
好色tv Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the 好色tv Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
The 好色tv Press. All rights reserved.
It鈥檚 a little-known fact that Canada鈥檚 credit unions are among the country鈥檚 stron…
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