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Hamilton Spectator
29-07-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Canadian pharmacies take steps to mitigate shortage of prescription painkillers
TORONTO - Canadian pharmacies say they are taking steps to mitigate a shortage of prescription painkillers and make sure patients don't go through withdrawal or physical discomfort. Earlier this month Health Canada said the drugs that are in short supply include those that contain acetaminophen with oxycodone, such as Percocet, as well as acetaminophen with codeine, for instance Tylenol 3. These medications are prescribed to treat a wide range of ailments, from root canals to chronic back pain. The federal agency's notice said the shortage is caused by increased demand and manufacturing disruptions at some of Canada's largest pharmaceutical companies. The Canadian Pharmacists Association says a significant resupply is anticipated in early August. Shelita Dattani, senior vice president of pharmacy affairs and strategic engagement at Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, said some pharmacies are capping supplies to 30 days to ensure there is enough for all patients. Dattani, who also works as a pharmacist in Ottawa, said it's important not to abruptly discontinue access to an opioid prescribed for pain because it could result in a patient going through withdrawal. She says there are alternative medications, but going on a new opioid is not a simple switch. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 29, 2025. Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
Winnipeg Free Press
29-07-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canadian pharmacies take steps to mitigate shortage of prescription painkillers
TORONTO – Canadian pharmacies say they are taking steps to mitigate a shortage of prescription painkillers and make sure patients don't go through withdrawal or physical discomfort. Earlier this month Health Canada said the drugs that are in short supply include those that contain acetaminophen with oxycodone, such as Percocet, as well as acetaminophen with codeine, for instance Tylenol 3. These medications are prescribed to treat a wide range of ailments, from root canals to chronic back pain. The federal agency's notice said the shortage is caused by increased demand and manufacturing disruptions at some of Canada's largest pharmaceutical companies. The Canadian Pharmacists Association says a significant resupply is anticipated in early August. Shelita Dattani, senior vice president of pharmacy affairs and strategic engagement at Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, said some pharmacies are capping supplies to 30 days to ensure there is enough for all patients. Dattani, who also works as a pharmacist in Ottawa, said it's important not to abruptly discontinue access to an opioid prescribed for pain because it could result in a patient going through withdrawal. She says there are alternative medications, but going on a new opioid is not a simple switch. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 29, 2025. Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
29-07-2025
- Health
There's a painkiller shortage in Canada. Here's what to know
There is a shortage of some commonly-prescribed painkillers in Canada, as companies that supply them deal with manufacturing disruptions and increased demand, according to a notice (new window) published on Health Canada's website. The medications in question are acetaminophen with codeine (sometimes known as Tylenol 3) and acetaminophen with oxycodone (sometimes sold under the brand name Percocet). As a result of the shortage, Health Canada's notice said these drugs have become harder to get and may not always be available. Here's what you need to know. Manufacturing troubles cause ripple effects Health Canada's notice says the shortage of acetaminophen with codeine is linked to manufacturing disruptions reported by Teva Canada Limited, resulting in increased demand and shortages reported by Apotex Inc and Laboratoire Riva Inc, the other companies that also market the drug in Canada. Teva's manufacturing problems are also affecting its supply of acetaminophen with oxycodone, leading to an increased demand other companies can't make up for. In a statement, Teva said the problem is due to a short delay in our supply chain relating to the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) shipment from our supplier. The company says it expects to be able to accelerate production of an initial supply for early August 2025 and for full supply to be restored in Canada by September. A spokesperson for Health Canada, Mark Johnson, said in a statement that the agency is working closely with manufacturers, health-care providers and provinces and territories to monitor the situation and explore options to increase access. You never want to see a shortage, period. But you definitely don't want to see it with something that's this common, said Mina Tadrous, associate professor with the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto. Tadrous says these drugs are prescribed for both acute pain — following a surgery or dental procedure for example — and for chronic pain, for patients who need them on a long-term basis. He says supply-chain problems for one drug company can affect supply across Canada. We see a domino effect. One drug goes on shortage, everyone switches to another generic, he said. That trickles through. 'Don't panic,' pharmacists say While the shortage can complicate things for patients and pharmacists, the Canadian Pharmacists Association says pharmacists are used to managing drug shortages and helping patients through them. The good news is, there are alternatives available, said Sadaf Faisal, a pharmacist and senior director of professional affairs at the Canadian Pharmacists Association. Faisal said the association is in close contact with Health Canada and is monitoring the situation closely. In the meantime, her advice to patients is: Don't panic. Talk to your health-care providers, go to your pharmacist. They have resources available to them that provide the safer alternative. She also advises patients to try not to wait until they are almost out of their medications to renew prescriptions. What pharmacists are doing The association has published a clinical resource (new window) for pharmacists as they navigate the shortage. It provides guidance on suitable alternative medications, switching strategies and how to best monitor changes. Faisal says pharmacists can work with patients to fine-tune suitable alternatives according to their conditions, medications and medical histories, It's based on the situation, she said. It's not a one-size fits all approach. Tadrous says patients will still be treated and get the drugs they need, but notes drug shortages can create extra work for pharmacies and physicians. It's still kind of burdensome for an already stretched system, he said. Alison Northcott (new window) · CBC News · National Reporter Alison Northcott is a national reporter for CBC News in Montreal, covering health, business and politics. Born in Winnipeg, she is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University and has over 15 years experience in journalism.
Time of India
25-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Canada faces pain medicine shortage and here's what can you do
Canada is grappling with a nationwide shortage of prescription pain medications containing acetaminophen with codeine or oxycodone, impacting drugs like Percocet and Tylenol No. 3. Manufacturing disruptions and increased demand are the primary causes. Pharmacists are dispensing limited quantities, and the shortage is expected to last until early August 2025, with a significant resupply anticipated. Canada faces a national shortage of key pain medications like Percocet and Tylenol 3, affecting patients across the country. Health Canada cites supply disruptions and rising demand, with relief expected by early August 2025. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Pharmacists say limited supply Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads When will supply resume? Health Canada warning FAQs What pain medications are currently in short supply in Canada? How long will the prescription drug shortage in Canada last? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What should I do if my prescribed pain medication is unavailable? Canada is currently experiencing a nationwide shortage of some commonly used prescription pain medications . Health Canada issued a notice on July 18 confirming that drugs containing acetaminophen with codeine or oxycodone are in limited supply. These medications are often used to manage moderate to severe affected include combinations of acetaminophen with oxycodone (sold under brand names like Percocet) and acetaminophen with codeine (such as Tylenol No. 3). Other impacted formulations include Teva-Oxycocet, Teva-Lenoltec No. 1 to 4, and companies such as Teva Canada Ltd. , Laboratoire Riva Inc. , and Pharmascience Inc. have cited manufacturing disruptions and increased demand as reasons for the manage the shortage, pharmacists across the country have been dispensing limited quantities. Sadaf Faisal, senior director of professional affairs at the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPA), told Global News that pharmacists currently supply only a 30-day supply in some cases due to low pharmacists are also reaching out to other pharmacies to source additional CPA expects the shortage to last until early August, with a significant resupply anticipated at that time. In the meantime, Health Canada urges patients to speak with their doctors or pharmacists if they are pain relief options may be available, but any change in medication requires physician approval due to federal drug are advised to use only licensed pharmacies and avoid unverified online Canada warns that unregulated sources may sell products lacking active ingredients or containing dangerous is facing a shortage of prescription drugs containing acetaminophen with codeine or oxycodone, including Percocet, Tylenol No. 3, Teva-Oxycocet, and Rivacocet. These are commonly used for pain to the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPA), the shortage is expected to continue until early August 2025, when a significant resupply is should consult their doctor or pharmacist for safe and effective alternatives. Due to Canadian regulations, pharmacists need physician approval before changing or substituting any controlled medications.
