Carbachol (Miostat Ophthalmic) shortage status

Widespread shortage Tier 3: critical

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Oct 13, 2026

Carbachol is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 1 of 1 reported products are affected, and Health Canada has designated this a Tier 3 (most serious) shortage. The latest manufacturer estimate for full recovery is Jan 4, 2027.

Products affected

1 / 1

Est. full return

Jan 4, 2027

Reports on file

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.

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Shortage history

Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).

Reports by product

The DIN is printed on your prescription label.

Active shortage

MIOSTAT OPHTHALMIC LIQ 0.01%

.01% · SOLUTION · ALCON CANADA INC

DIN 00042544 · since ?, est. end Jan 4, 2027 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Resolved

MIOSTAT OPHTHALMIC LIQ 0.01%

.01% · SOLUTION · ALCON CANADA INC

DIN 00042544 · ended Apr 14, 2023 · Component shortage of backing paper on product is causing delay

Resolved

MIOSTAT OPHTHALMIC LIQ 0.01%

.01% · SOLUTION · ALCON CANADA INC

DIN 00042544 · ended Jun 20, 2019 · Demand increase - Limited stock available will be allocated to Customers

Resolved

MIOSTAT OPHTHALMIC LIQ 0.01%

.01% · SOLUTION · ALCON CANADA INC

DIN 00042544 · ended Jun 20, 2017 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

What's happening

Carbachol is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by ALCON CANADA 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.

Health Canada has flagged this as a Tier 3 shortage, its most serious category, meaning the shortage has the greatest potential impact on the health system and alternatives are limited.

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.

Carbachol is classified under “ANTIGLAUCOMA PREPARATIONS AND MIOTICS” (ATC S01EB).

Recent changes

Oct 13, 2026 Tier 3 designation changed
Oct 6, 2026 Status changed
Oct 6, 2026 Estimated end date moved earlier : null → Jan 4, 2027
Sep 24, 2026 New report filed

Common questions

When will Carbachol be back in stock in Canada?

The latest manufacturer estimate is Jan 4, 2027. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.

Why is Carbachol 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 (antiglaucoma preparations and miotics)

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.

Apraclonidine (Iopidine) No current shortage Dorzolamide (Trusopt) No current shortage Latanoprostene Bunod (Vyzulta) No current shortage Methazolamide No current shortage Timolol Brinzolamide No current shortage Acetazolamide Partial shortage 1 of 3 reported products affected · est. return Jan 1, 2027

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.