Clarithromycin (Biaxin Bid, Biaxin) shortage status
Partial shortage
Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026
Also sold as: Biaxin Bid, Biaxin, Biaxin Xl
Some Clarithromycin products are in shortage in Canada (3 of 30 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.
An antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as chest and throat infections.
Products affected
3 / 30
In shortage since
Dec 8, 2016
Reports on file
88
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).
DIN 02244756 · since Dec 8, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
TARO-CLARITHROMYCIN
500MG · TABLET · SUN PHARMA CANADA INC
DIN 02361434 · ended Sep 19, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
TARO-CLARITHROMYCIN
125MG · POWDER FOR SUSPENSION
GRANULES FOR SUSPENSION · TARO PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 02390442 · ended Sep 25, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Avoided
BIAXIN
250MG · GRANULES FOR SUSPENSION · BGP PHARMA ULC
DIN 02244641 · ended May 20, 2025 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
CLARITHROMYCIN
250MG · TABLET · SIVEM PHARMACEUTICALS ULC
DIN 02442469 · ended May 9, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
CLARITHROMYCIN
500MG · TABLET · SIVEM PHARMACEUTICALS ULC
DIN 02442485 · ended May 1, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
CLARITHROMYCIN
500MG · TABLET · SANIS HEALTH INC
DIN 02466139 · ended May 5, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
CLARITHROMYCIN
250MG · TABLET · SANIS HEALTH INC
DIN 02466120 · ended May 1, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
SANDOZ CLARITHROMYCIN
250MG · TABLET · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02266539 · ended Apr 14, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
SANDOZ CLARITHROMYCIN
500MG · TABLET · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02266547 · ended Apr 14, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Showing 12 of 60 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Clarithromycin is currently affected by 3 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by TEVA CANADA LIMITED, SANIS HEALTH INC, BGP PHARMA ULC.
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.
Clarithromycin is classified under “MACROLIDES, LINCOSAMIDES AND STREPTOGRAMINS” (ATC J01FA).
Recent changes
No changes recorded yet.
Common questions
What is Clarithromycin used for?
An antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as chest and throat infections.
When will Clarithromycin 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 Clarithromycin 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.