Pharmacists are anticipating a continued shortage of oxycodone-containing medications in Canada well into the upcoming year, even though the availability of another type of pain reliever has improved following a nationwide disruption during the summer.
In July, Health Canada notified about a scarcity of drugs containing acetaminophen with oxycodone, which includes products like Percocet. Additionally, there was a deficiency of acetaminophen with codeine, such as Tylenol 3, due to manufacturing interruptions, which was expected to resolve by early fall.
These medications are commonly prescribed for various conditions, ranging from sudden injuries to persistent back pain. Sadaf Faisal, the senior director of professional affairs at the Canadian Pharmacists Association, mentioned that the codeine-based drugs like Tylenol 3 are now back in supply. However, the availability of Tylenol 2 and 4, which are less frequently prescribed, remains limited.
The shortage of medications containing acetaminophen with oxycodone persists, with Faisal indicating that the manufacturer has promised some supply by December, albeit with constraints due to back orders. Faisal expressed optimism that the situation would improve by the new year.
She advised that healthcare providers have alternative pain medications with similar components to prescribe. Mina Tadrous, an associate professor at the University of Toronto’s faculty of pharmacy, highlighted that switching a patient’s pain medication can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, adding pressure to an already strained system.
According to the Canadian Pharmacists Association, there are typically between 1,500 to 2,000 active drug shortages in Canada at any given time. Tadrous emphasized that shortages of commonly used medications have broader impacts, likening the repercussions to a slow-moving train that eventually disrupts supply chains. Restocking these depleted medications can take several months.
It is crucial to consult with pharmacists and healthcare teams well in advance to manage medication shortages effectively and prevent last-minute crises.
