Oxycodone shortage stressing patients

(WWLP) - Patients in need of a popular painkiller are outraged that they can't get their prescriptions filled.

There are reports of a nationwide shortage of Oxycodone -- the generic version of Oxycontin which is derived from morphine.

William Chmael of Springfield takes it every day to help alleviate his back pain and arthritis.

He told 22News he's been to six local pharmacies and they are all out of Oxycodone.

"To think about that some day you go to get your medication refilled and it's not there. What are you going to do? It's terrifying," he said.

Chmael is getting his prescription filled since he went from 10-milligrams to 5.

Experts recommend checking with your doctor or pharmacist for other alternatives.