Prescription Painkillers Shortage in Canada Expected to Continue Into New Year

Prescription pills containing oxycodone and acetaminophen are shown in this June 20, 2012 photo. The Canadian Press/Graeme Roy

Pharmacists say a shortage of medications that contain oxycodone is expected to continue into the new year, while supply of another type of painkiller has increased since a nationwide disruption in the summer.

In July, Health Canada sent out a notice about a shortage of drugs that contain acetaminophen with oxycodone, which includes those by the brand name Percocet.