Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 29, 2026
Dextrose is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 1 of 13 reported products are affected, and Health Canada has designated this a Tier 3 (most serious) shortage. The latest manufacturer estimate for full recovery is Nov 30, 2026.
A sugar solution given by injection or IV to provide fluids and energy or to treat low blood sugar.
Products affected
1 / 13
In shortage since
Jun 29, 2026
Est. full return
Nov 30, 2026
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).
Reports by product
The DIN is printed on your prescription label.
Active shortage
DEXTROSE INJECTION
50% · SOLUTION · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02517132 · since Jun 29, 2026, est. end Nov 30, 2026 · Demand increase for the drug.
Anticipated
DEXTROSE INJECTION USP
500MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02468514 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Anticipated
DEXTROSE INJECTION USP
500MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02468514 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DEXTROSE INJECTION
50% · SOLUTION · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02517132 · ended Mar 25, 2026 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
Resolved
DEXTROSE INJECTION USP
500MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02468514 · ended Jul 31, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DEXTROSE INJECTION USP
500MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02468514 · ended Mar 11, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DEXTROSE INJECTION USP
500MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02468514 · ended Nov 4, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DEXTROSE INJECTION
50% · SOLUTION · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02517132 · ended Mar 21, 2024 · Demand increase for the drug.
Discontinued
DEXTROSE INJECTION USP
500MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02468514
Resolved
DEXTROSE INJECTION USP
500MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02468514 · ended Aug 18, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DEXTROSE INJECTION USP
500MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02468514 · ended Jun 4, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DEXTROSE INJECTION USP
50MG · SOLUTION · ICU MEDICAL CANADA INC
DIN 00037915 · ended Mar 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
Dextrose is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED.
The reported cause is: demand increase for the drug. 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.
Dextrose is classified under “I.V. SOLUTIONS” (ATC B05BA).
Recent changes
Jul 16, 2026
Tier 3 designation changed
Jul 16, 2026
Tier 3 designation changed
Jul 16, 2026
Tier 3 designation changed
Jul 14, 2026
Estimated end date pushed back : Jul 10, 2026 → Nov 30, 2026
Common questions
What is Dextrose used for?
A sugar solution given by injection or IV to provide fluids and energy or to treat low blood sugar.
When will Dextrose be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Nov 30, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Dextrose 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 (i.v. solutions)
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.