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This Is What Canada’s Pain Medication Shortages Have Been Like for Chronic Pain Patients
Nationwide shortages of opioid pain meds since last summer have caused withdrawal and severe pain for many chronic patients, with some supplies still constrained, Health Canada said.
- On Dec. 18, 2025, The Canadian Press reported widespread shortages of pain medications affecting chronic pain patients across Canada, with several having no forewarning their prescriptions were out of stock.
- Manufacturing disruptions last summer reduced supplies of acetaminophen-oxycodone and acetaminophen-codeine, obstructing access for nearly six months, and Mina Tadros, associate professor, University of Toronto pharmacy faculty, said opioid shortages are likelier due to few drug manufacturers and regulatory hurdles.
- Patients described dramatic daily harm, with Amanda Godda, 42, bedridden since August and Kerri MacPherson, 51, hoarding Tylenol 4, saying, `I took the month-worth my benefits paid for, and paid for another month full price in case they were shorted again.`
- Health Canada said drugs containing oxycodone should generally be available now, with availability expected to improve throughout December despite some persistent shortages.
- Clinicians say Dr. Hance Clarke and others warn switching opioids or generics triggers withdrawal and worsens pain, leading patients to emergency visits and care changes managed by family doctors and pain specialists.
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24 Articles
24 Articles
This is what Canada’s pain medication shortages have been like for chronic pain patients
The Canadian Press spoke to several chronic pain patients who had no forewarning that their pain medications would be out of stock at the pharmacy. Here’s a look at some of their experiences.
·Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources24
Leaning Left19Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution90% Left
Bias Distribution
- 90% of the sources lean Left
90% Left
L 90%
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