Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026
Some Docusate products are in shortage in Canada (1 of 16 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.
A stool softener used to relieve and prevent constipation.
Products affected
1 / 16
In shortage since
Apr 15, 2016
Reports on file
50
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
SELAX SYR 20MG/5ML USP
20MG · SYRUP · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD
DIN 00695033 · since Apr 15, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
TARO-DOCUSATE
100MG · CAPSULE · TARO PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 00716731 · ended Nov 18, 2025 · Available inventory expires March 2026
Discontinued
DOCUSATE SODIUM
100MG · CAPSULE · PRO DOC LIMITEE
DIN 02326086
Resolved
DOCUSATE SODIUM
100MG · CAPSULE · PRO DOC LIMITEE
DIN 02326086 · ended Jun 30, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DOCUSATE SODIUM
100MG · CAPSULE · SANIS HEALTH INC
DIN 02426838 · ended Mar 19, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
SANDOZ DOCUSATE SODIUM
100MG · CAPSULE · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02247385
Resolved
SANDOZ DOCUSATE SODIUM
100MG · CAPSULE · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02247385 · ended May 1, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
SOFLAX CAPSULES 100MG
100MG · CAPSULE · PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 01994344 · ended Apr 17, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
SOFLAX CAPSULES 100MG
100MG · CAPSULE · PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 01994344 · ended Apr 2, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
RATIO-DOCUSATE SODIUM
20MG · SYRUP · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 00870226 · ended Dec 10, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
TARO-DOCUSATE
100MG · CAPSULE · TARO PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 00716731 · ended Nov 28, 2023 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
TARO-DOCUSATE
100MG · CAPSULE · TARO PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 00716731 · ended Nov 28, 2023 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Showing 12 of 50 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Docusate is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by ODAN LABORATORIES LTD.
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.
Docusate is classified under “DRUGS FOR CONSTIPATION” (ATC A06AA).
Recent changes
No changes recorded yet.
Common questions
What is Docusate used for?
A stool softener used to relieve and prevent constipation.
When will Docusate 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 Docusate 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.
Email alerts
Get an email when this drug's status changes. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe.
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.