Shortage of pain meds like Percocet sparks concern in Canada

This news must have been a hard pill to swallow.

There is a nationwide shortage of common prescription pain medications in Canada — and it could last until early August.

Opioids that contain acetaminophen with codeine or oxycodone — better known as Percocet and Tylenol No. 3 — are in short supply, according to Health Canada, the department in charge of the country’s national health policy, which made the dire announcement last week.

Manufacturing disruptions and increased demand are behind the sudden scarcity, Health Canada said.

“We’re communicating with health care providers, provincial and territorial governments, and distributors to coordinate the sharing of information about this shortage,” Health Canada said.

“We’re also working with manufacturers and stakeholders to monitor the supply of acetaminophen with codeine or oxycodone and looking at options for increasing access to these products.”

The Canadian Pharmacists Association is limiting the amounts of pills it dispenses.

“Usually pharmacists have to dispense the amount that is being written on the prescription unless it is being limited by the drug plan,” Sadaf Faisal, senior director of professional affairs at the CPA, told Global News.

“In a situation like these, pharmacists are documenting on their prescriptions that we are only supplying 30 days right now because we don’t have enough supply.”