Pharmacists say shortages of drugs containing oxycodone are expected to continue in Canada into the new year, while supplies of another type of painkiller have increased since a nationwide disruption over the summer.
In July, Health Canada sent out a notice about a shortage of medications containing acetaminophen with oxycodone, including brand-name Percocet.
There was also a shortage of acetaminophen with codeine, which includes Tylenol 3.
It was supposed to last until early fall and was caused by manufacturing disruptions.
These medications are prescribed to treat a variety of ailments, from acute injuries to chronic back pain.
Sadaf Faisal, senior director of professional affairs at the Canadian Pharmacists Association, said medications containing codeine, such as Tylenol 3, are again available. Supply is still limited for Tylenol 2 and 4, which she said are prescribed less frequently.
Shortages of medications containing acetaminophen with oxycodone continue, and Faisal said the manufacturer has indicated there will be some supply available in December, although there will be limitations due to backorders.
“We hope that by the new year the situation will improve,” Faisal said.
He said there are other pain relievers with similar ingredients that health care providers can prescribe as alternatives.
Mina Tadrous, an associate professor at the University of Toronto’s faculty of pharmacy, said changing a patient’s pain reliever can take a lot of time and resources, putting pressure on an already overburdened system.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given Florida the green light to buy cheaper wholesale prescription drugs in Canada, reigniting fears of drug shortages in this country.
“Talking to pharmacists and a team early before you run out of medications is very important because no one wants to have to deal with that the day they run out of medication,” Tadrous said.
At any given time, there are shortages of between 1,500 and 2,000 active medications in the country, according to the Canadian Pharmacists Association.
Tadrous said that when shortages hit commonly used medications, the repercussions are felt on a larger scale.
“When a shortage occurs or there is some disruption in the supply chain, it’s like a slow-moving train. That takes time and then it hits,” Tadrous said.
“The problem is that once used up, it also takes months to replenish it.”
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