‘Very unbearable’: Okotoks man facing chronic pain impacted by national painkiller shortage – CTV
July 30, 2025
Tony Heembrock was injured in a workplace accident in 2020 and takes Percocet for the chronic pain.
While working, he used to take two to three pills a day, but because of a national painkiller shortage, he’s down to his last two.
“It’s very unbearable. I know I’ve become more withdrawn from my son, who lives here with me and his friends when they come over, and my family. I just sort of keep very low-key and try not to do anything and participate in life anymore. It shouldn’t be that way,” Heembrock said.
Since his accident, he’s developed chronic migraines and a heart issue.
These conditions put him in a hard spot because he’s unable to use many Percocet alternatives available due to their side effects.
Health Canada says the country is experiencing a shortage of both acetaminophen with oxycodone and acetaminophen with codeine.
