Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026
Some Colestipol products are in shortage in Canada (1 of 3 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.
A bile acid sequestrant used to lower high cholesterol.
Products affected
1 / 3
In shortage since
Mar 17, 2021
Reports on file
9
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
COLESTID GRANULES
5G · GRANULES · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00642975 · since Mar 17, 2021, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
COLESTID TABLETS
1G · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02132680 · ended Jan 8, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
COLESTID TABLETS
1G · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02132680 · ended Jan 10, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
COLESTID TABLETS
1G · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02132680 · ended Jul 28, 2022 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
COLESTID TABLETS
1G · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02132680 · ended Oct 6, 2021 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
COLESTID ORANGE GRANULES
5G · GRANULES · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02132699
Resolved
COLESTID TABLETS 1 G
1G · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02132680 · ended Mar 12, 2020 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
COLESTID GRANULES
5G · GRANULES · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 00642975 · ended Aug 21, 2017 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
COLESTID GRANULES
5G · GRANULES · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 00642975 · ended May 11, 2017 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
What's happening
Colestipol is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by PFIZER CANADA 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.
Colestipol is classified under “LIPID MODIFYING AGENTS, PLAIN” (ATC C10AC).
Recent changes
No changes recorded yet.
Common questions
What is Colestipol used for?
A bile acid sequestrant used to lower high cholesterol.
When will Colestipol 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 Colestipol 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.