Story perspectives

Canada Struggles with Ongoing Prescription Painkiller Shortages

11/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Health Canada announced in July that Canada faces ongoing shortages of prescription painkillers, especially oxycodone-containing medications.
The shortages affect drugs like Percocet and Tylenol 3.
Tylenol 3 is back in stock, while Tylenol 2 and 4 remain limited.
The Canadian Pharmacists Association expects improvements by the new year, though back orders persist.
Canada currently experiences between 1,500 and 2,000 active drug shortages at any given time.

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Story summary

Health Canada announced in July that Canada faces ongoing shortages of prescription painkillers, especially oxycodone-containing medications.
The shortages affect drugs like Percocet and Tylenol 3.
Tylenol 3 is back in stock, while Tylenol 2 and 4 remain limited.
The Canadian Pharmacists Association expects improvements by the new year, though back orders persist.
Canada currently experiences between 1,500 and 2,000 active drug shortages at any given time.