Prescription painkillers shortage in Canada expected to continue into new year

Prescription pills containing oxycodone and acetaminophen are shown in this June 20, 2012, photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy

TORONTO — 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 Canadian 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.

“We are hoping that by the new year the situation will improve,” 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’s pharmacy faculty, said switching a patient’s painkiller can take a lot of time and resources, placing pressure on an already stretched system.  

“Talking 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,” Tadrous said.

At any given time, there are between 1,500 and 2,000 active drug shortages in the country, according to the Canadian Pharmacists Association.  

Tadrous said it’s when shortages hit commonly used medications that the repercussions are felt on a larger scale.

“When 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,” Tadrous said. 

“The problem is, once it’s depleted, it also takes months to replenish it.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 3, 2025.

Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.

Hannah Alberga, The Canadian Press