Acetylsalicylic Acid (Asatab, Asaphen) shortage status
Partial shortage
Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026
Also sold as: Asatab, Asaphen, Novasen, Sns-Asa
Some Acetylsalicylic Acid products are in shortage in Canada (5 of 17 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.
Aspirin, used to relieve pain and inflammation and to help prevent blood clots.
Products affected
5 / 17
In shortage since
Apr 15, 2016
Reports on file
31
Talk to a pharmacist
Pharmacists can substitute an unaffected manufacturer's version, adjust strengths, and in most provinces adapt or renew a prescription on the spot.
Independent services, not affiliated with rxstat; referral fees may apply. Free options exist depending on your province. In an emergency call 911; free health advice at 811.
Shortage history
Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).
Reports by product
The DIN is printed on your prescription label.
Active shortage
SNS-ASA EC
80MG · TABLET (DELAYED-RELEASE) · SANIS HEALTH INC
DIN 02427176 · since Mar 10, 2025, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
ASA EC
81MG · TABLET (DELAYED-RELEASE) · SANIS HEALTH INC
DIN 02426811 · since Nov 18, 2024, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
DIN 02283700 · ended Jun 4, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
PRO-AAS EC - 80
80MG · TABLET (DELAYED-RELEASE) · PRO DOC LIMITEE
DIN 02311496 · ended Jun 3, 2025 · Waiting HC approval
Resolved
PRO-AAS - 80 (CROQUABLE)
80MG · TABLET (CHEWABLE) · PRO DOC LIMITEE
DIN 02311518 · ended Feb 21, 2025 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
ASAPHEN
80MG · TABLET (CHEWABLE) · PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02009013 · ended Feb 17, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
SNS-ASA EC
80MG · TABLET (DELAYED-RELEASE) · SANIS HEALTH INC
DIN 02427176 · ended Sep 7, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Showing 12 of 31 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Acetylsalicylic Acid is currently affected by 5 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by SANIS HEALTH INC, ODAN LABORATORIES LTD, APOTEX INC.
The reported cause is: disruption of the manufacture of the drug. Manufacturers must report shortages, but end-date estimates are their own projections and often move.
If your usual product is affected, a pharmacist is the fastest route to a solution: they can dispense an unaffected manufacturer's equivalent when one exists, and in most provinces can adapt doses or substitute a therapeutic alternative without a new appointment.
Acetylsalicylic Acid is classified under “OTHER ANALGESICS AND ANTIPYRETICS” (ATC N02BA).
Recent changes
No changes recorded yet.
Common questions
What is Acetylsalicylic Acid used for?
Aspirin, used to relieve pain and inflammation and to help prevent blood clots.
When will Acetylsalicylic Acid be back in stock in Canada?
Manufacturers have not provided a reliable end date. This page updates automatically as soon as an estimate is filed.
Why is Acetylsalicylic Acid in shortage?
See the reports above; manufacturers must state a reason (most commonly manufacturing disruption or a surge in demand) when filing with Health Canada.
What can my pharmacist do about it?
Often quite a lot: substitute an equivalent product from an unaffected manufacturer, adjust quantities, or in most provinces adapt or renew prescriptions on the spot. Call your pharmacy before visiting, and call 811 for free health advice.
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Drugs in the same therapeutic class, best-supplied first. These are not automatic substitutes: only your pharmacist or prescriber can judge whether a switch makes sense for you.
Data reflects reports manufacturers are legally required to file with Health Canada, republished with per-drug aggregation by rxstat. Estimated end dates are supplied by manufacturers and frequently change. This page describes drug supply only and is not medical advice; never stop or switch a medication without speaking to your pharmacist or prescriber.