Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 17, 2026
Some Codeine products are in shortage in Canada (1 of 4 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 Aug 14, 2026.
An opioid used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to suppress cough.
Products affected
1 / 4
In shortage since
Jun 9, 2026
Est. full return
Aug 14, 2026
Reports on file
17
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
CODEINE CONTIN 100MG CONTROLLED RELEASE TAB
100MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · PURDUE PHARMA
DIN 02163748 · since Jun 9, 2026, est. end Aug 14, 2026 · Shortage of an active ingredient.
Resolved
CODEINE CONTIN 50MG CONTROLLED RELEASE TAB
50MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · PURDUE PHARMA
DIN 02230302 · ended Jan 4, 2024 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
CODEINE CONTIN 50MG CONTROLLED RELEASE TAB
50MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · PURDUE PHARMA
DIN 02230302 · ended Sep 8, 2023 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
CODEINE CONTIN 150MG CONTROLLED RELEASE TAB
150MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · PURDUE PHARMA
DIN 02163780 · ended Jun 20, 2023 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
CODEINE CONTIN 100MG CONTROLLED RELEASE TAB
100MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · PURDUE PHARMA
DIN 02163748 · ended Jun 9, 2023 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
CODEINE CONTIN 50MG CONTROLLED RELEASE TAB
50MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · PURDUE PHARMA
DIN 02230302 · ended Jun 9, 2023 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
CODEINE CONTIN 200MG CONTROLLED RELEASE TAB
200MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · PURDUE PHARMA
DIN 02163799 · ended Jan 11, 2023 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
CODEINE CONTIN 50MG CONTROLLED RELEASE TAB
50MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · PURDUE PHARMA
DIN 02230302 · ended Jan 11, 2023 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
CODEINE CONTIN 150MG CONTROLLED RELEASE TAB
150MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · PURDUE PHARMA
DIN 02163780 · ended Nov 15, 2022 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
CODEINE CONTIN 50MG CONTROLLED RELEASE TAB
50MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · PURDUE PHARMA
DIN 02230302 · ended Dec 21, 2021 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
CODEINE CONTIN 100MG CONTROLLED RELEASE TAB
100MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · PURDUE PHARMA
DIN 02163748 · ended Dec 21, 2021 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Avoided
CODEINE CONTIN 50MG CONTROLLED RELEASE TAB
50MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · PURDUE PHARMA
DIN 02230302 · ended Aug 19, 2021 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Showing 12 of 17 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Codeine is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by PURDUE PHARMA.
The reported cause is: shortage of an active ingredient. 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.
Codeine is classified under “COUGH SUPPRESSANTS EXCL. COMB. WITH EXPECTORANTS” (ATC R05DA).
Recent changes
Jul 17, 2026
Estimated end date pushed back : Aug 1, 2026 → Aug 14, 2026
Common questions
What is Codeine used for?
An opioid used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to suppress cough.
When will Codeine be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Aug 14, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Codeine 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.