Canada is currently experiencing a nationwide shortage of commonly used prescription pain medication.
Health Canada recently issued a notice about the short supply of acetaminophen with codeine or oxycodone.
“Drugs that contain acetaminophen with codeine or oxycodone are used to relieve pain. Some of these drugs are experiencing shortages and have become harder to get,” it reads.
Tylenol 3 is an example of prescription pain medication containing acetaminophen combined with codeine. An example of acetaminophen with oxycodone is the brand Percocet.
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Teva Canada Limited, Apotex Inc. and Laboratoire Riva Inc. are the pharmaceutical companies that market acetaminophen with oxycodone in Canada.
According to the public health agency, Teva is reporting a shortage due to manufacturing disruptions, while Apotex and Riva are reporting shortages due to increased demand.
Teva Canada Limited, Laboratoire Riva Inc., and Pharmascience Inc. market acetaminophen with codeine in different formats and strengths. Health Canada says Teva is experiencing shortages of Lenoltec due to manufacturing disruptions.
Although Riva and Pharmascience aren’t reporting shortages, the agency says they cannot meet the increased demand from Teva’s shortage of Lenoltec.
Health Canada says it’s communicating with health care providers, provincial and territorial governments, and distributors to inform Canadians about the shortage, which could last until early August.
“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,” reads the notice.
The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPA) is aware of the shortage and has shared a clinical resource with guidance on alternatives for patients.
“Widespread supply constraints are expected to persist until early August, when a significant resupply is anticipated,” reads a notice from the CPA.
🆕 New #DrugShortage Resource
Canada is experiencing a national shortage of acetaminophen with oxycodone and acetaminophen with codeine products.
To support #pharmacy teams, CPhA has developed a clinical resource with guidance on patient management and therapeutic… pic.twitter.com/YYHGzwd9hl
— CPhA/APhC (@CPhAAPhC) July 16, 2025
What Canadians can do amid the shortage
Health Canada advises Canadians who take the affected pain medications to speak with their doctor or pharmacist if they have any questions or concerns about availability.
“They may be able to offer other options if your medication is not available,” reads the notice.
The public health agency also reminds Canadians to use a licensed pharmacy to get medication, only buy products that are authorized for sale in Canada, and to avoid buying from unlicensed and unverified online sellers.