Drug shortages homepage

Welcome to Drug Shortages Canada, the website for reporting drug shortages and discontinuations in Canada. The Food and Drug Regulations require drug sellers to report when they are not able to meet demand for a product or when they stop selling a product. Information about the website and the regulations can be found on the About & Resources Page.

A shortage means, in respect of a drug, a situation in which the manufacturer to whom a document was issued under subsection C.01.014.2(1) that sets out the drug identification number assigned for the drug is unable to meet the demand for the drug.

A discontinuation means, in respect of a drug, a situation in which the manufacturer to whom a document was issued under subsection C.01.014.2(1) that sets out the drug identification number assigned for the drug, permanently ceases the sale of the drug.

Tier 3 drug shortages are those that have the greatest potential impact on Canada's drug supply and health care system. Impact is based on low availability of alternative supplies, ingredients or therapies. The Tier Assignment Committee (TAC), composed of federal and provincial/territorial governments, healthcare professionals, and industry stakeholders, makes recommendations on the tier assignment of drug shortages. The TAC assessment includes:

  • a review of the information gathered on the shortage issue, and
  • a thorough discussion on its potential impact and next steps.

Below are the newest and most recently updated Shortage and Discontinuation reports. Alternatively, please visit the Tier 3 page to see current Tier 3 Drug Shortages and associated shortage or discontinuation reports.

Drug pills

LEGEND

!!T3 denotes an actual Tier 3 shortage/discontinuation

!T3 denotes an anticipated Tier 3 shortage/discontinuation

Shortage Reports

Brand name Company Name Status Strength Update Date Updated View Report
TARO-DOCUSATE TARO PHARMACEUTICALS INC Actual shortage 100MG New Report 2023-06-09 194658
TARO-DOCUSATE TARO PHARMACEUTICALS INC Actual shortage 100MG New Report 2023-06-09 194655
NYADERM TAROPHARMA, A DIVISION OF TARO PHARMACEUTICALS INC. Resolved 25000UNIT Updated Report 2023-06-09 178270
TARO-VENLAFAXINE XR SUN PHARMA CANADA INC Actual shortage 75MG Updated Report 2023-06-09 175041
TARO-VENLAFAXINE XR SUN PHARMA CANADA INC Actual shortage 75MG Updated Report 2023-06-09 173678
TARO-VENLAFAXINE XR SUN PHARMA CANADA INC Actual shortage 150MG Updated Report 2023-06-09 178205
TARO-VENLAFAXINE XR SUN PHARMA CANADA INC Actual shortage 150MG Updated Report 2023-06-09 178202
TARO-VENLAFAXINE XR SUN PHARMA CANADA INC Actual shortage 37.5MG Updated Report 2023-06-09 178195
TARO-VENLAFAXINE XR SUN PHARMA CANADA INC Actual shortage 37.5MG Updated Report 2023-06-09 178192
TARO-PREGABALIN SUN PHARMA CANADA INC Actual shortage 25MG Updated Report 2023-06-09 178167

Discontinuation Reports

Brand name Company Name Status Strength Update Date Updated View Report
IDHIFA CELGENE INC Discontinued 50MG Updated Report 2023-06-09 193910
IDHIFA CELGENE INC Discontinued 100MG Updated Report 2023-06-09 193913
LEVITRA BAYER INC Discontinued 20MG Updated Report 2023-06-08 192794
LEVITRA BAYER INC Discontinued 10MG New Report 2023-06-08 194016
ADLYXINE SANOFI-AVENTIS CANADA INC To be discontinued 20MCG New Report 2023-06-07 193877