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
ACULAR LS ABBVIE CORPORATION Actual shortage 0.4% New Report 2023-06-06 193833
PMS-RABEPRAZOLE EC PHARMASCIENCE INC Actual shortage 20MG Updated Report 2023-06-06 166914
CARBOCAINE 1% PFIZER CANADA ULC Resolved 10MG Updated Report 2023-06-06 192969
BACTERIOSTATIC WATER FOR INJECTION USP PFIZER CANADA ULC Resolved 30ML Updated Report 2023-06-06 144270
GILENYA NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC Actual shortage 0.25MG Updated Report 2023-06-06 191077
PMS-EVEROLIMUS PHARMASCIENCE INC Actual shortage 2.5MG Updated Report 2023-06-06 166808
PMS-BICALUTAMIDE PHARMASCIENCE INC Actual shortage 50MG Updated Report 2023-06-06 189587
PMS-BICALUTAMIDE PHARMASCIENCE INC Actual shortage 50MG Updated Report 2023-06-06 189584
ZOLOFT UPJOHN CANADA ULC Actual shortage 25MG Updated Report 2023-06-06 193014
SANDOZ ROSUVASTATIN SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED Resolved 20MG Updated Report 2023-06-06 182820

Discontinuation Reports

Brand name Company Name Status Strength Update Date Updated View Report
STRATTERA ELI LILLY CANADA INC Discontinued 100MG Updated Report 2023-06-02 171498
STRATTERA ELI LILLY CANADA INC To be discontinued 10MG Updated Report 2023-05-26 171472
AMINOPHYLLINE INJECTION USP PFIZER CANADA ULC Discontinued 25MG New Report 2023-05-19 192828
LEVITRA BAYER INC To be discontinued 20MG New Report 2023-05-19 192794
RIVA-CLARITHROMYCIN LABORATOIRE RIVA INC. Discontinued 500MG Updated Report 2023-05-17 192613