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Famciclovir shortage status

Partial shortage

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

Some Famciclovir products are in shortage in Canada (3 of 17 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.
Products affected
3 / 17
In shortage since
Sep 1, 2018
Reports on file
56
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
ACT FAMCICLOVIR
500MG · TABLET · ACTAVIS PHARMA COMPANY
DIN 02305704 · since Sep 1, 2018, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
ACT FAMCICLOVIR
500MG · TABLET · ACTAVIS PHARMA COMPANY
DIN 02305704 · since Sep 1, 2018, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
ACT FAMCICLOVIR
250MG · TABLET · ACTAVIS PHARMA COMPANY
DIN 02305690 · since Sep 1, 2018, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
ACT FAMCICLOVIR
125MG · TABLET · ACTAVIS PHARMA COMPANY
DIN 02305682 · since Sep 1, 2018, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-FAMCICLOVIR
250MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02292041 · ended Dec 19, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-FAMCICLOVIR
500MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02292068 · ended Aug 29, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-FAMCICLOVIR
500MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02292068 · ended Jan 18, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
SANDOZ FAMCICLOVIR
250MG · TABLET · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02278642 · ended Nov 2, 2023 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
SANDOZ FAMCICLOVIR
500MG · TABLET · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02278650 · ended Nov 2, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
SANDOZ FAMCICLOVIR
125MG · TABLET · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02278634 · ended Nov 2, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
SANDOZ FAMCICLOVIR
500MG · TABLET · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02278650 · ended Nov 2, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
SANDOZ FAMCICLOVIR
250MG · TABLET · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02278642 · ended Nov 2, 2023 · Delay in shipping of the drug.

Showing 12 of 56 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.

What's happening

Famciclovir is currently affected by 3 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by ACTAVIS PHARMA COMPANY.

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.

Famciclovir is classified under “DIRECT ACTING ANTIVIRALS” (ATC J05AB).

Recent changes

Common questions

When will Famciclovir 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 Famciclovir 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 (direct acting antivirals)

Partial shortageAdefovir Dipivoxil1 of 2 reported products affectedPartial shortageAtazanavir3 of 8 reported products affectedPartial shortageDarunavir2 of 9 reported products affected · est. return Jul 24, 2026Partial shortageEfavirenz1 of 6 reported products affectedPartial shortageEfavirenz Tenofovir Disoproxil Emtricitabine3 of 7 reported products affected · est. return Dec 31, 2026Partial shortageEntecavir2 of 5 reported products affected · est. return Aug 7, 2026

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.