Acetaminophen with codeine or oxycodone in short supply: Notice
Date published: July 21, 2025
Date updated: May 6, 2026
Update: May 6, 2026 - Resolution of shortage
Drugs containing acetaminophen with codeine or with oxycodone are now available across the country.
Health Canada will continue to monitor the supply of acetaminophen with codeine or with oxycodone.
On this page
Background
Drugs that contain acetaminophen with codeine or with oxycodone are used to relieve pain. These drugs are marketed by several companies in Canada. Some of them began experiencing shortages in the summer.
The supply of these drugs has now improved and they are generally available in pharmacies. Some limited supply constraints may remain for drugs that contain acetaminophen with oxycodone.
Alternative prescription drugs and over-the-counter pain medications are also 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 also continue to work with manufacturers and stakeholders to monitor the supply of acetaminophen with codeine or with oxycodone.
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 with 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.