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Carmustine (Bicnu) shortage status

Partial shortage

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Sep 29, 2026

Some Carmustine products are in shortage in Canada (1 of 2 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer. The latest estimate for affected products to return is Sep 29, 2026.

A chemotherapy medication used to treat brain tumours and certain cancers.

Products affected
1 / 2
In shortage since
Sep 4, 2026
Est. full return
Sep 29, 2026
Reports on file
2
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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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Reports by product

The DIN is printed on your prescription label.

Active shortage
CARMUSTINE FOR INJECTION USP
100MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02531879 · since Sep 4, 2026, est. end Sep 29, 2026 · Demand increase for the drug.
Discontinued
BICNU
100MG · SOLUTION · MARCAN PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 02555093

What's happening

Carmustine is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by STERIMAX INC.

The reported cause is: demand increase for 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.

Carmustine is classified under “ALKYLATINGAGENTS” (ATC L01AD).

Recent changes

Common questions

What is Carmustine used for?

A chemotherapy medication used to treat brain tumours and certain cancers.

When will Carmustine be back in stock in Canada?

The latest manufacturer estimate is Sep 29, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.

Why is Carmustine 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 (alkylatingagents)

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.

Buffer Solution Melphalan (Alkeran) No current shortage Bendamustine (Treanda) Partial shortage 2 of 8 reported products affected Busulfan (Myleran) Partial shortage 1 of 4 reported products affected · est. return Oct 23, 2026 Temozolomide (Temodal) Partial shortage 8 of 23 reported products affected · est. return Dec 18, 2026 Dacarbazine Shortage anticipated 0 of 1 reported products affected Cyclophosphamide (Procytox) Widespread shortage 3 of 10 reported products affected

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.