Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 29, 2026
Benztropine is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 2 of 4 reported products are affected. The latest manufacturer estimate for full recovery is Dec 31, 2026.
An anticholinergic used to treat Parkinson's symptoms and drug-induced movement side effects.
Products affected
2 / 4
In shortage since
Mar 30, 2023
Est. full return
Dec 31, 2026
Reports on file
8
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
BENZTROPINE OMEGA
1MG · LIQUID · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02238903 · since Jul 21, 2026, est. end Dec 31, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
VPI-BENZTROPINE
2MG · SOLUTION · VPI PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 02486822 · since Mar 30, 2023, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
BENZTROPINE OMEGA
1MG · LIQUID · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02238903 · ended Oct 17, 2025 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
PDP-BENZTROPINE
2MG · TABLET · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF DE PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 00426857 · ended Aug 6, 2018 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
BENZTROPINE OMEGA
1MG · LIQUID · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02238903 · ended Jun 21, 2024 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
BENZTROPINE OMEGA
1MG · LIQUID · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02238903 · ended Oct 5, 2021 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
PDP-BENZTROPINE
1MG · TABLET · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF DE PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 00706531 · ended Feb 14, 2018 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Avoided
PDP-BENZTROPINE
1MG · TABLET · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF DE PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 00706531 · ended Oct 30, 2017 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
What's happening
Benztropine is currently affected by 2 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED, VPI PHARMACEUTICALS 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.
Benztropine is classified under “ANTICHOLINERGIC AGENTS” (ATC N04AC).
Recent changes
Jul 22, 2026
New report filed
Common questions
What is Benztropine used for?
An anticholinergic used to treat Parkinson's symptoms and drug-induced movement side effects.
When will Benztropine be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Dec 31, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Benztropine 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.