Tecnal C 1/2 Shortage in Canada: Discontinued or Just Short-Supplied?
Quick answer
TEVA-TECNAL C 1/2 (butalbital / acetylsalicylic acid / codeine phosphate / caffeine, Teva Canada, DIN 00608181) has two different reports on file — an earlier permanent discontinuation notice and a separate active shortage report — which is why search results can look contradictory. Check the current status directly rather than trusting an old headline, and because this is a codeine-containing product, don't try to work around a gap yourself — talk to your pharmacist or prescriber.
What Tecnal C 1/2 is
Tecnal C 1/2 is a combination oral capsule containing butalbital, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), codeine phosphate, and caffeine — used for tension-type headache and migraine pain. Because it contains codeine, it's a controlled prescription product, not something available over the counter or easily swapped between brands without your pharmacist or prescriber signing off.
Why you might see two different statuses for the same drug
Health Canada's Drug Shortages Canada system logs a separate report each time a manufacturer files an update, and older reports stay on file even after a newer one supersedes them. For Tecnal C 1/2, that means a past "permanently discontinued" report and a current "active shortage" report can both show up in search results — they reflect two different points in the product's history, not a contradiction in what's actually happening now. See the difference between a shortage and a discontinuation.
Always go by the most recent report, not the one you found first
If you searched and landed on an old discontinuation notice, that doesn't necessarily mean the product is gone for good — a different manufacturer's version or a corrected report may have restored supply since. Check the current status and last-updated date for the specific DIN before assuming either way.
Since it contains codeine, don't self-substitute
Butalbital/ASA/codeine/caffeine combinations aren't interchangeable with plain ASA, acetaminophen, or an over-the-counter pain reliever — the codeine component is why it's prescription-only, and stopping it abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms if you've been taking it regularly. If your supply is affected, this is a conversation for your pharmacist or prescriber, not something to substitute yourself.
Where to check
Search Tecnal C 1/2 or DIN 00608181 on MedShort for the current status pulled directly from Health Canada's Drug Shortages Canada reporting system, including every report filed for this product.
Related Guides
Drug Shortage vs Discontinued: What's the Difference?
The difference between a temporary drug shortage and a permanent discontinuation in Canada — and why it changes what you should do next.
Can a Pharmacist Substitute a Medication During a Shortage?
When pharmacists in Canada can substitute a different brand or strength during a shortage, and when your prescriber needs to be involved.
What to Do When Your Medication Is in Shortage in Canada
A step-by-step guide for Canadian patients: how to check if a shortage is still active, what an estimated resolution date means, and when to talk to your pharmacist.
Latest Canadian Shortage Updates
Sources
Guide text last reviewed August 20, 2026; the shortage status shown above is pulled from Health Canada's data and refreshed hourly. MedShort.ca is an independent tracking tool and does not provide medical advice.