I really don't know how bad it is going to get . . . but it is bad right now if medications are not available for persons having surgery or treatment plans.

I always think here in Canada that my hospital/or one I may be transferred to will always have everything I will need for them to "make me better".  Perhaps I take a lot for granted.

"Sandoz Canada is the sole supplier . . . " It surprised me that we rely on one laboratory for such important medication - probably an economics thing, as well as patents probably etc.  I understand they are trying to attain these drugs from Sandoz United States and Sandoz Germany.

I'm sure it is more complicated than my very limited understanding - but the question crosses my mind - how come oxycontin can flood the market (legally and illegaly) (I guess I should say "could" as my understanding is that it is or will be taken off the market) and yet life-saving drugs are now going to be hard to come by.

Beloved, I am also surprised that one plant was the supplier for so many medications.  I would have thought another would have at least been approved in advance for a backup.

I also find it odd that the US can make a complaint about QC, health Canada inspect and not have an issue and it's only us who appears to be greatly affected (with the fire also contributing afterwards).

I expected a few more replies.  Are there only a few of us concerned?

I think it is one of those things, chemgal, that many won't be concerned . . . until it personally affects them.  Right now I am relatively healthy . . . don't foresee upcoming surgery or injury or hospital stay . . . so it's not affecting me.  Now, if my appendix burst, I have a serious injury, or illness - then it is going to affect me, and my loved ones and I will become very concerned.

I am concerned.  I always trust that the hospital, medical professionals, medicine, etc will be there when I walk through the hospital doors in need - I guess this is not always the case.

There are two type of pharmaceutical companies out there - the ones who make brand name drugs and the ones who make generic drugs.  It's like the difference between Anaprox and apo-naproxen or teva-naproxen or between Advil and the Safeway branded ibuprofen. Sandoz is a 'brand name' supplier as opposed to a generic supplier.  This means that they hold a patent on the drugs that makes them the only company who can make the stuff.  After a period of time, usually 10 or 15 years the original patent expires and then the generic producers like Apotex and Tevapharm can go ahead and make the drug. But until then the original pharmaceutical company who came up with the drug has the sole right to make it.

Rowan, I was under the impression that Sandoz makes generic drugs.  I'm pretty sure the patent of morphine expired a while ago, and that was one of the medications that was mentioned on the news.

From the Sandoz Canadian website:

Health is our most precious asset. That’s why, at Sandoz Canada, we respond to our customers’ needs by acting quickly to offer an unparalleled range of high-quality, affordable generic products. 

Interesting.  Then there should be no good reason that they are the only supplier for these meds.

Did anyone else see this story about fake Avastin (a cancer drug) in the US?  There was Canadian involvement (part of the supply chain).  Very bad:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405297020337060457726134397421411...

There's about to be a lot of outrage soon.  Why?  Because vet clinics are running low on pain meds!  Some sickly people and it doesn't get too much attention.  Beloved Fido?  Wait for the protests to start!