Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 29, 2026
Famotidine is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 3 of 13 reported products are affected, and Health Canada has designated this a Tier 3 (most serious) shortage. The latest manufacturer estimate for full recovery is Nov 30, 2026.
An acid reducer used to treat heartburn, acid reflux and stomach ulcers.
Products affected
3 / 13
In shortage since
Mar 10, 2017
Est. full return
Nov 30, 2026
Reports on file
48
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).
DIN 02247745 · ended Apr 22, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Showing 12 of 48 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Famotidine is currently affected by 3 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED, APOTEX INC.
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.
Health Canada has flagged this as a Tier 3 shortage, its most serious category, meaning the shortage has the greatest potential impact on the health system and alternatives are limited.
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.
Famotidine is classified under “DRUGS FOR PEPTIC ULCER AND GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD)” (ATC A02BA).
Recent changes
Jul 29, 2026
Estimated end date pushed back : Sep 18, 2026 → Sep 30, 2026
Jul 23, 2026
Estimated end date pushed back : Aug 31, 2026 → Nov 30, 2026
Common questions
What is Famotidine used for?
An acid reducer used to treat heartburn, acid reflux and stomach ulcers.
When will Famotidine be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Nov 30, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Famotidine 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.