Avtozma, Actemra & Tyenne (Tocilizumab) Shortage in Canada
Quick answer
Tocilizumab is sold in Canada as Actemra (Roche) and two biosimilars, Avtozma (Celltrion) and Tyenne (Fresenius Kabi). In 2026, Avtozma's IV vials had shortage reports that were later resolved, Tyenne has had anticipated-shortage reports, and Actemra's reports were marked avoided — each brand and strength is reported separately. Check the live count above and your exact product, and talk to your pharmacist or clinic before any switch between brands.
What tocilizumab is
Tocilizumab is a biologic that blocks interleukin-6 (IL-6). In Canada it's used for rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, and some forms of juvenile arthritis, among other conditions. It comes as IV infusion vials (80mg, 200mg, 400mg) given in a clinic and as 162mg pre-filled syringes or pens injected under the skin at home.
Three brands, reported separately
- Actemra (Hoffmann-La Roche) — the original brand.
- Avtozma (Celltrion) — a biosimilar, IV and subcutaneous.
- Tyenne (Fresenius Kabi) — a biosimilar, IV and subcutaneous.
Health Canada's shortage system tracks every brand and strength on its own, so an Avtozma IV vial report says nothing about Avtozma pens, and nothing about Actemra. See every tocilizumab product's status.
What “anticipated” and “avoided” mean here
An anticipated shortage is an early warning from the manufacturer — supply may get tight, but it hasn't run out yet. A shortage marked avoided means the company warned of a possible gap and then managed to prevent it. Neither means your clinic or pharmacy is out today, but an anticipated report is a good reason to ask about your next refill or infusion early.
Switching brands during a shortage
Biosimilars are designed to work the same way as the original, but moving between Actemra, Avtozma, and Tyenne is still a decision for your prescriber and, in most provinces, depends on which brand your public or private drug plan covers. Some provinces have biosimilar transition policies that already determine which brand you receive. Don't skip a dose or stretch the interval between doses on your own — contact your clinic or pharmacist as soon as you hear about a supply problem.
Get notified
Open your exact product's page on MedShort — for example Avtozma 162mg (DIN 02562065) — and use “Notify me” to get an email if its status changes.
Related Guides
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 Does Estimated Resolution Date Mean for a Drug Shortage in Canada?
The estimated resolution date on a Canadian drug shortage report is a manufacturer's own forecast, not a guarantee — here's how reliable it actually is and how to use it to plan ahead.
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.
Latest Canadian Shortage Updates
Sources
Guide text last reviewed September 26, 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.