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Erythromycin shortage status

Partial shortage

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

Some Erythromycin 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.
Products affected
1 of 16
In shortage since
Sep 29, 2017
Reports on file
42
Talk to your pharmacist. Pharmacists can often substitute another manufacturer's version, a different strength, or (in most provinces) adapt or renew a prescription on the spot. Your free provincial health line is 811.

Reports by product

Active shortage
ODAN-ERYTHROMYCIN
5MG · OINTMENT · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD
DIN 00641324 · since Jun 8, 2018, no end estimate · Demand increase for the drug.
Active shortage
ODAN-ERYTHROMYCIN
5MG · OINTMENT · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD
DIN 00641324 · since Sep 29, 2017, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
To be discontinued
PDP-ERYTHROMYCIN
5MG · OINTMENT · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 01912755
Resolved
PDP-ERYTHROMYCIN
5MG · OINTMENT · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 01912755 · ended Jul 8, 2026 · Shortage of an active ingredient.
Resolved
PDP-ERYTHROMYCIN
5MG · OINTMENT · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 01912755 · ended Apr 1, 2026 · Shortage of an active ingredient.
Discontinued
PDP-ERYTHROMYCIN
5MG · OINTMENT · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 01912755
Resolved
PDP-ERYTHROMYCIN
5MG · OINTMENT · PENDOPHARM DIVISION OF PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 01912755 · ended Oct 25, 2024 · Shortage of an inactive ingredient or component.
Resolved
ERYTHROMYCIN OPHTHALMIC OINTMENT USP
5MG · OINTMENT · STERI-MED PHARMA INC.
DIN 02326663 · ended Jul 12, 2023 · Demand increase for the drug.
Discontinued
ERYC DELAYED-RELEASE CAPSULES
333MG · CAPSULE (ENTERIC-COATED) · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00873454
Resolved
ERYC DELAYED-RELEASE CAPSULES
333MG · CAPSULE (ENTERIC-COATED) · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00873454 · ended Apr 27, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
ERYTHROCIN I.V.
500MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · AMDIPHARM LIMITED
DIN 00682268 · ended Sep 26, 2022 · Other (Please describe in comments)
Resolved
ERYTHROCIN I.V.
1G · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · AMDIPHARM LIMITED
DIN 00682276 · ended Sep 26, 2022 · Other (Please describe in comments)

Showing 12 of 42 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.

What's happening

Erythromycin is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by ODAN LABORATORIES LTD.

The reported causes are: demand increase for the drug; 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.

Erythromycin is classified under “ANTIINFECTIVES” (ATC S01AA).

Recent changes

Common questions

When will Erythromycin 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 Erythromycin 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.

Related drugs (antiinfectives)

Widespread shortageGatifloxacin2 of 3 reported products affected · est. return Sep 4, 2026Widespread shortageGentamicin2 of 2 reported products affectedPartial shortageMoxifloxacin6 of 18 reported products affected · est. return Dec 31, 2026Partial shortageOfloxacin1 of 2 reported products affected · est. return Jul 30, 2026Partial shortagePolymyxin B Gramicidin Neomycin1 of 1 reported products affectedPartial shortageSulfacetamide1 of 1 reported products affected

All antiinfectives shortage statuses →

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.