Pharmacists limiting prescriptions due to shortage of common painkillers
According to Health Canada, there is a temporary shortage in Acetaminophen with codeine: Lenoltec No. 1, No. 3, No. 4, and Emtec-30
Acetaminophen with oxycodone: Oxycocet, Apo-Oxycodone/Acet, and Rivacocet, better-known to many as Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen) and Tylenol 3 (codeine and acetaminophen).
Health Canada says the shortage is due to 'manufacturing disruptions and increased demand' and it's working with manufacturers, distributors, provinces, and territories to 'monitor the situation and explore options to increase access.'
For many patients walking into pharmacies lately to fill their prescriptions they are finding only a shorter-term supply is available.
The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada says pharmacists are trying to limit prescriptions to a 30-day supply right now.
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