Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 29, 2026
Dexamethasone is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 4 of 6 reported products are affected, and Health Canada has designated this a Tier 3 (most serious) shortage. The latest manufacturer estimate for full recovery is Oct 2, 2026.
A corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation in conditions such as severe allergies, asthma and arthritis.
Products affected
4 / 6
In shortage since
Nov 26, 2025
Est. full return
Oct 2, 2026
Reports on file
45
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
DEXAMETHASONE OMEGA UNIDOSE
10MG · SOLUTION · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02387743 · since Jul 21, 2026, est. end Sep 30, 2026 · Demand increase for the drug.
Active shortage
DEXAMETHASONE-OMEGA
4MG · LIQUID · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02204266 · since Nov 26, 2025, est. end Sep 30, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
DEXAMETHASONE-OMEGA
4MG · LIQUID · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02204266 · since Feb 20, 2026, est. end Sep 30, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
DEXAMETHASONE SODIUM PHOSPHATE INJ USP 4MG/ML
4MG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 00664227 · since Jun 22, 2026, est. end Oct 2, 2026 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
Active shortage
DEXAMETHASONE SODIUM PHOSPHATE INJ USP 4MG/ML
4MG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 00664227 · since Jun 22, 2026, est. end Sep 18, 2026 · Demand increase for the drug.
Active shortage
DEXAMETHASONE SODIUM PHOSPHATE INJECTION, USP
4MG · SOLUTION
LIQUID · STERIMAX INC
DIN 01977547 · since Apr 10, 2026, est. end Sep 14, 2026 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
DEXAMETHASONE OMEGA UNIDOSE
10MG · SOLUTION · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02387743 · ended May 29, 2026 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
DEXAMETHASONE-OMEGA
4MG · LIQUID · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02204266 · ended Oct 3, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DEXAMETHASONE-OMEGA
4MG · LIQUID · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02204266 · ended Dec 4, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DEXAMETHASONE-OMEGA
4MG · LIQUID · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02204266 · ended Dec 4, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DEXAMETHASONE-OMEGA
4MG · LIQUID · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02204266 · ended Feb 27, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DEXAMETHASONE-OMEGA
10MG · LIQUID · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02204274 · ended Jan 5, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Showing 12 of 45 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Dexamethasone is currently affected by 4 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED, SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED, STERIMAX INC.
The reported causes are: demand increase for the drug; disruption of the manufacture of the drug; requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices. 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.
Dexamethasone is classified under “CORTICOSTEROIDS FOR SYSTEMIC USE, PLAIN” (ATC H02AB).
Recent changes
Jul 22, 2026
New report filed
Jul 14, 2026
Estimated end date pushed back : Jul 31, 2026 → Sep 30, 2026
Jul 14, 2026
Estimated end date pushed back : Jul 10, 2026 → Sep 30, 2026
Common questions
What is Dexamethasone used for?
A corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation in conditions such as severe allergies, asthma and arthritis.
When will Dexamethasone be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Oct 2, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Dexamethasone 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.