Canada is currently experiencing a Canada-wide shortage of widely used, prescription pain medications. Unfortunately, this troubling scenario is likely to continue until early August. According to the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPA), action by pharmacists is booming. They are constraining how many doses of key medicines they are giving their patients during a time of severely constrained supply.
The shortage includes many other widely-used medications such as Percocet, T3s, and Rivacocet. According to the CPA, patients will increasingly find it difficult to access these medicines. They’re hoping for a “major resupply” to occur by early August. In light of the unfolding situation, Health Canada has issued an Interim Order. They call on Canadians to only access their medications through licensed pharmacies.
To help protect their health and safety Canadians are advised to buy only products authorized for sale in Canada and from domestic sellers. Sadaf Faisal, senior director of professional affairs at the CPA, stressed the importance of working together. She emphasized the need for increased collaboration among patients and healthcare providers amidst the pandemic.
“Pharmacists and other health-care providers can help them (patients) navigate this shortage. We can identify alternatives, we can provide guidance on safe and effective pain management, which is really important because it can impact quality of life for a lot of patients.” – Sadaf Faisal
Faisal pointed out that over-regulation from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act prohibits pharmacists from changing prescriptions. They’re often unable to provide more effective or safer medications without going through the prescribing physician. This regulatory limitation highlights the need for clear communication between patients and their healthcare professionals.
“Usually pharmacists have to dispense the amount that is being written on the prescription unless it is being limited by the drug plan.” – Sadaf Faisal
Given the emerging and ever-growing shortages, pharmacists are taking the unprecedented step of indicating unavailable medication at the time of issuing a prescription. Faisal noted, “In a situation like these, pharmacists are documenting on their prescriptions that we are only supplying 30 days right now because we don’t have enough supply.” This practice is intended to avoid surprises and miscommunication with patients about what medications they will be able to access.
The shortage isn’t new. Health Canada recommends that Canadians discuss any issues they are having with accessing their prescribed medications with their healthcare provider and/or pharmacist. The CPA remains focused on helping patients steer through this complex maze and make sure they get the care that they need.
