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Afatinib (Giotrif) shortage status

Widespread shortage

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Oct 19, 2026

Afatinib is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 3 of 6 reported products are affected. The latest manufacturer estimate for full recovery is Dec 4, 2026.

A targeted therapy used to treat certain types of lung cancer.

Products affected
3 / 6
In shortage since
Aug 3, 2026
Est. full return
Dec 4, 2026
Reports on file
9
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Reports by product

The DIN is printed on your prescription label.

Active shortage
SANDOZ AFATINIB
40MG · TABLET · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02512793 · since Sep 14, 2026, est. end Dec 4, 2026 · Shortage of an active ingredient.
Active shortage
SANDOZ AFATINIB
30MG · TABLET · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02512785 · since Sep 14, 2026, est. end Dec 4, 2026 · Shortage of an active ingredient.
Active shortage
SANDOZ AFATINIB
20MG · TABLET · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02512777 · since Aug 3, 2026, est. end Dec 4, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Anticipated
GIOTRIF
40MG · TABLET · BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM (CANADA) LTD LTEE
DIN 02415682
Anticipated
GIOTRIF
30MG · TABLET · BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM (CANADA) LTD LTEE
DIN 02415674
Anticipated
GIOTRIF
20MG · TABLET · BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM (CANADA) LTD LTEE
DIN 02415666
To be discontinued
GIOTRIF
30MG · TABLET · BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM (CANADA) LTD LTEE
DIN 02415674
To be discontinued
GIOTRIF
40MG · TABLET · BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM (CANADA) LTD LTEE
DIN 02415682
To be discontinued
GIOTRIF
20MG · TABLET · BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM (CANADA) LTD LTEE
DIN 02415666

What's happening

Afatinib is currently affected by 3 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED.

The reported causes are: shortage of an active ingredient; 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.

Recent changes

Common questions

What is Afatinib used for?

A targeted therapy used to treat certain types of lung cancer.

When will Afatinib be back in stock in Canada?

The latest manufacturer estimate is Dec 4, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.

Why is Afatinib 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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Possible alternatives in the same class

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.

Capmatinib (Tabrecta) No current shortage Larotrectinib (Vitrakvi) No current shortage Bosutinib Partial shortage 1 of 1 reported products affected Dasatinib (Sprycel) Partial shortage 1 of 14 reported products affected · est. return Sep 21, 2027 Everolimus (Afinitor) Partial shortage 1 of 14 reported products affected · est. return Aug 10, 2027 Gefitinib Partial shortage 1 of 4 reported products affected · est. return Dec 31, 2026

Guides: what to do when your medication is in shortage · how to read shortage reports

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.