What to Do When Your Medication Is in Shortage in Canada

1Check whether the shortage is still active

Shortage status changes constantly — a medication reported in shortage a few weeks ago may already be resolved, and a new shortage can start without much warning. Before assuming anything, search the drug by name or DIN (Drug Identification Number) to see its current, up-to-date status.

2Check the estimated resolution date

Most active shortages on Health Canada's Drug Shortages Canada database include an estimated resolution date, submitted by the manufacturer. This is an estimate, not a guarantee — the real resolution date can come earlier or later, and manufacturers sometimes push it back. Still, it's useful for planning: a shortage estimated to resolve next week calls for a different response than one estimated to last another six months.

3Talk to your pharmacist

Your pharmacist has information that an online shortage search can't provide — including whether their location still has stock and what alternatives, if any, might be appropriate for you. Contact them before your current supply runs low rather than after you've already run out — that gives everyone more options. You're also entitled to be told what's happening with your prescription, not just handed a "we're out" — see what you can expect as a patient during a shortage.

4Check other strengths or formulations

A shortage often affects one specific strength, pack size, or formulation of a drug rather than every version of it. Your pharmacist can tell you whether a different strength (with an adjusted dose) or a different formulation is appropriate for you. One exception worth knowing: extended-release and immediate-release formulations of the same drug are generally not interchangeable without medical guidance — always confirm the release type with your pharmacist before switching.

5What not to do

• Don't stop taking your medication on your own because you've heard it's in shortage — a national shortage doesn't always mean your specific pharmacy is out of stock.
• Don't split, stretch, or ration doses to make a supply last longer without asking your pharmacist or prescriber first — this can be unsafe depending on the medication.
• Don't substitute a different drug or strength on your own, even one that looks similar — confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber first.
• Don't wait until you're completely out to start looking into alternatives — the earlier you check, the more options your pharmacist has.