Open ProvincesDrug shortages in Canada: check a product and its supply status
Access official Health Canada shortages and discontinuations and use the Drug Product Database to verify a DIN or medicine.
Adapted from a guide first written for Quebec readers: passages specific to Quebec were removed. Rules in your province may differ.
Open Provinces groups the two useful steps here: identify the exact product with Health Canada's Drug Product Database (DPD), then consult the official shortage and discontinuation service.
Shortages to check now
Health product shortages
Check current or anticipated shortages and reported discontinuations in Health Canada's official service.
DINIdentify the medicine
Search by DIN, brand or product in the Drug Product Database before checking its supply status.
Health CanadaShortage information
Read official explanations, manufacturer responsibilities and information for the public.
Why use the DIN?
Medicines with similar names can differ by strength, dosage form or manufacturer. The DIN identifies the exact authorized product before you check a shortage.
Confirm a product’s identity and shortage status with official databases and a pharmacist; never stop or substitute a prescription on your own.
Start with the facts that change the answer
A shortage notice may concern a specific strength, format, manufacturer or anticipated supply period—not every product with a similar name. A database entry does not tell you whether a local pharmacy has stock. Medicines with similar names or active ingredients are not automatically interchangeable for an individual patient.
Document your next step
Check the Drug Identification Number and product details, then ask your pharmacist or prescriber about safe options and timing. Do not ration, stop or change a dose without professional guidance. For an urgent supply problem, contact the treating clinician and follow their individualized plan.
Sources and limits
Sources: Health Canada — Health Product Shortages Canada and the Drug Product Database. Open Provinces provides convenient access and no therapeutic substitution advice. Source: Health Canada: Drug shortages and discontinuations. A shortage database is not a treatment recommendation; medication changes must be discussed with a pharmacist or prescriber.
General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting.