rxstatShortages › Docetaxel

Docetaxel (Taxotere) shortage status

Widespread shortage

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026

Docetaxel is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 3 of 6 reported products are affected. Manufacturers have not committed to a recovery date.

A chemotherapy medication used to treat cancers such as breast, lung and prostate cancer.

Products affected
3 / 6
In shortage since
Feb 29, 2016
Reports on file
19
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Shortage history

2023 2024 2025 2026

Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).

Reports by product

The DIN is printed on your prescription label.

Active shortage
DOCETAXEL INJECTION USP
10MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02361957 · since ?, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
DOCETAXEL INJECTION
20MG · SOLUTION · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02412225 · since Feb 29, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
DOCETAXEL INJECTION
80MG · SOLUTION · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02412233 · since Feb 29, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DOCETAXEL INJECTION
10MG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02439336 · ended Apr 24, 2025 · Shortage of an active ingredient.
Avoided
DOCETAXEL INJECTION
10MG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02439336 · ended Feb 3, 2025 · Shortage of an active ingredient.
Resolved
DOCETAXEL INJECTION USP
10MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02361957 · ended Apr 25, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Avoided
DOCETAXEL INJECTION
10MG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02439336 · ended Jan 5, 2024 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
DOCETAXEL INJECTION USP
10.0MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02361957 · ended Mar 26, 2020 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
DOCETAXEL INJECTION USP
10.0MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02361957 · ended Mar 4, 2020 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DOCETAXEL INJECTION USP
10.0MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02361957 · ended Dec 16, 2019 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DOCETAXEL INJECTION
10MG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02439336 · ended Jan 11, 2019 · Demand increase for the drug.
To be discontinued
TAXOTERE
80MG · SOLUTION · SANOFI-AVENTIS CANADA INC
DIN 02177080

Showing 12 of 19 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.

What's happening

Docetaxel is currently affected by 3 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by PFIZER CANADA ULC, TEVA CANADA LIMITED.

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.

Docetaxel is classified under “PLANT ALKALOIDS AND OTHER NATURAL PRODUCTS” (ATC L01CD).

Recent changes

Common questions

What is Docetaxel used for?

A chemotherapy medication used to treat cancers such as breast, lung and prostate cancer.

When will Docetaxel 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 Docetaxel 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 (plant alkaloids and other natural products)

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.

Guides: what to do when your medication is in shortage · how to read shortage reports

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.