Chronic pain patients across Canada say nationwide shortages of commonly prescribed opioid pain medications have upended their lives, forcing many to endure severe pain, withdrawal symptoms, and sudden treatment changes with little warning.
The Canadian Press spoke with several patients affected by disruptions in the supply of drugs containing acetaminophen with oxycodone and codeine, including Percocet, Tylenol 3, and Tylenol 4. Health Canada says most supplies are now improving, though some shortages persist and availability remains inconsistent.
Ottawa resident Amanda Godda, 42, was left largely bedridden for months after her medication became unavailable, pushing her pain levels to near-constant extremes. In Alberta, Kerri MacPherson, 51, endured nine months without Tylenol 4, stockpiling what she could once it returned. Calgary-based Shawna Dunn, 46, was forced to taper off a long-standing opioid and transition to morphine, triggering anxiety, emergency hospital visits, and worsening nerve pain. In the Greater Toronto Area, Laur Kelly, 42, experienced withdrawal and functional decline after their Tramadol prescription could not be filled during last year’s shortage.
Pain specialists warn that abrupt medication changes can cause the nervous system to react intensely, worsening pain and distress. Pharmacists and experts say opioid shortages are more likely because of limited manufacturers and strict regulations.
While some medications are returning to pharmacy shelves, patients say the experience has left them fearful of future disruptions — and uncertain about their ability to manage pain if supplies falter again.