‘Extremely unfortunate situation’: Canada has shortages of these common painkillers
CANADA, JUL 29 – Manufacturing delays at Teva Canada Limited have caused shortages of acetaminophen-based painkillers, with other suppliers unable to meet increased demand, Health Canada said.
- On July 18, 2025, Health Canada announced shortages of several widely used pain medications in Canada that combine acetaminophen with either codeine or oxycodone.
- The shortages stem from manufacturing disruptions at Teva Canada Limited and increased demand that other companies like Riva and Apotex cannot fully meet.
- The medications impacted are used to treat pain following surgeries or dental work as well as ongoing pain in patients requiring long-term management, which adds complexity to treatment and pharmacy operations.
- Teva expects to accelerate production by early August 2025 and aims to restore full supply across Canada by September 2025, while experts advise patients to consult pharmacists and doctors without panicking.
- Health Canada prioritizes addressing the shortage by collaborating with manufacturers and health providers, and pharmacists use clinical resources to help patients find and safely switch to alternatives.
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Canada is facing a new shortage of drugs: this time they are products containing acetaminophen with codeine or oxycodone, narcotics often used to relieve acute pain as a result of, for example, injury, surgery or dental intervention.
There's a painkiller shortage in Canada. Here's what to know
There is a shortage of some commonly-prescribed painkillers in Canada — including acetaminophen with codeine and acetaminophen with oxycodone — as companies that supply them deal with manufacturing disruptions and increased demand. Pharmacists advise patients to plan ahead and speak with them about managing prescriptions.

Canada is facing a shortage of common prescription painkillers. Here’s who could be most affected
Health Canada issued a notice that makers of drugs containing acetaminophen with codeine or oxycodone, like Tylenol-3s, are experiencing shortages.
Health Canada has announced a shortage of painkillers. These painkillers are common prescription medications used to treat chronic or acute pain.
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