Acetaminophen with codeine or oxycodone in short supply: Notice
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Background
Drugs that contain acetaminophen with codeine or with oxycodone are used to relieve pain. Some of these drugs began experiencing shortages in the summer.
In Canada, acetaminophen with oxycodone is marketed by Teva Canada Limited, Apotex Inc., and Laboratoire Riva Inc. Teva Canada Limited is reporting a shortage because of a manufacturing disruption. Apotex Inc. and Laboratoire Riva Inc. are also reporting shortages because of a rise in demand that exceeds what these manufacturers are able to supply.
Acetaminophen with codeine is marketed in different formats and strengths by Teva Canada Limited, Laboratoire Riva Inc. and Pharmascience Inc. Teva Canada Limited and Laboratoire Riva Inc. is reporting shortages because of manufacturing disruptions and demand increase. Pharmascience Inc. is not reporting any shortages but would be unable to supply the increased demand resulting from the other shortages.
The supply of drugs containing acetaminophen with codeine or with oxycodone has improved since the shortages began. While some formats remain in shortage, these drugs are now generally available in pharmacies. The supply is expected to continue improving in October.
Alternative prescription drugs and over-the-counter pain medications are still available.
What we're doing
We recognize the importance of having acetaminophen with codeine or oxycodone products available for patients. Addressing this shortage is a top priority.
We're communicating with health care providers and provincial and territorial governments to coordinate the sharing of information about this shortage.
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.
Clinical resources to help pharmacists manage this shortage have been published:
- Canadian Pharmacists Association: Shortage of Acetaminophen with Oxycodone or Codeine (PDF)
- Canadian Society of Healthcare-Systems Pharmacy: Shortage of Acetaminophen-opioid combination products (PDF)
What you can do
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about the availability of acetaminophen with codeine or oxycodone. They may be able to offer other options if your medication is not available.
You should always:
- use a licensed pharmacy to get your medication
- only buy products that are authorized for sale in Canada
- avoid buying products from unlicensed and unverified online sellers, as these products may:
- not contain the active ingredient
- contain other undeclared and hazardous ingredients that could cause serious risks to health
- not meet manufacturing quality and safety standards, and have unknown contaminants
All drugs approved for sale in Canada have an 8-digit drug identification number (DIN). The DIN assures you that Health Canada has assessed a drug and considers it safe and effective when used as directed on the label. The DIN also provides a way to track adverse drug reactions.
Report any health product-related side effects or complaints to Health Canada.
Check this web page regularly as we will update it when new information becomes available.
Learn more about drug shortages in Canada and how Canadians can deal with drug shortages.