Ethinyl Estradiol Norethindrone (Ortho, Brevicon) shortage status
Partial shortage
Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026
Also sold as: Ortho, Brevicon, Select
Some Ethinyl Estradiol Norethindrone products are in shortage in Canada (4 of 10 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer. The latest estimate for affected products to return is Mar 19, 2027.
A combined birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy.
Products affected
4 / 10
In shortage since
Jun 6, 2025
Est. full return
Mar 19, 2027
Reports on file
36
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
BREVICON 1/35 TABLETS (21-DAY PACK)
0.035MG
1MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02189054 · since ?, est. end Mar 19, 2027 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
BREVICON 0.5/35 TABLETS (28-DAY PACK)
.5MG
.035MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02187094 · since Jun 6, 2025, est. end Mar 19, 2027 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
BREVICON 1/35 TABLETS (28-DAY PACK)
1MG
0.035MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02189062 · since Jan 2, 2026, est. end Mar 19, 2027 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
BREVICON 0.5/35 TABLETS (21-DAY PACK)
0.035MG
0.5MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02187086 · since Mar 17, 2026, est. end Mar 19, 2027 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
BREVICON 1/35 TABLETS (21-DAY PACK)
0.035MG
1MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02189054 · ended Nov 25, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
BREVICON 1/35 TABLETS (21-DAY PACK)
0.035MG
1MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02189054 · ended Jul 31, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
BREVICON 0.5/35 TABLETS (21-DAY PACK)
0.5MG
0.035MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02187086 · ended Jul 30, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
SELECT 1/35 (28-DAY)
0.035MG
1.0MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02199297
Resolved
SELECT 1/35 (21-DAY)
0.035MG
1.0MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02197502 · ended May 16, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
SELECT 1/35 (28-DAY)
0.035MG
1.0MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02199297 · ended May 16, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
BREVICON 1/35 TABLETS (28-DAY PACK)
0.035MG
1MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02189062 · ended Feb 11, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
BREVICON 1/35 TABLETS (21-DAY PACK)
0.035MG
1MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02189054 · ended Feb 3, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Showing 12 of 36 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Ethinyl Estradiol Norethindrone is currently affected by 4 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by PFIZER CANADA ULC.
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.
Ethinyl Estradiol Norethindrone is classified under “HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES FOR SYSTEMIC USE” (ATC G03AA).
Recent changes
No changes recorded yet.
Common questions
What is Ethinyl Estradiol Norethindrone used for?
A combined birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy.
When will Ethinyl Estradiol Norethindrone be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Mar 19, 2027. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Ethinyl Estradiol Norethindrone 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.