Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Oct 27, 2026
Also sold as: Abstral, Fentora, Duragesic
Some Fentanyl products are in shortage in Canada (2 of 59 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 1, 2027.
A very strong opioid pain medication used to manage severe pain.
Products affected
2 / 59
Est. full return
Mar 1, 2027
Reports on file
145
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
FENTORA
800MCG · TABLET (EFFERVESCENT) · PHOENIX LABS UNLIMITED COMPANY
DIN 02408058 · since ?, est. end Mar 1, 2027 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
FENTANYL CITRATE INJECTION USP
50MCG · SOLUTION · HIKMA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02385406 · since ?, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
FENTANYL CITRATE INJECTION, USP
50MCG · SOLUTION · FRESENIUS KABI CANADA LTD
DIN 02501554 · ended Jul 10, 2026 · Backorder effective May 1, 2026 until July 7, 2026
DIN 02408058 · ended Jun 4, 2025 · Demand increase for the drug.
Showing 12 of 60 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Fentanyl is currently affected by 2 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by PHOENIX LABS UNLIMITED COMPANY, HIKMA CANADA LIMITED.
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.
Fentanyl is classified under “ANESTHETICS, GENERAL” (ATC N01AH).
Recent changes
Oct 27, 2026
Status changed
Oct 20, 2026
New report filed
Aug 11, 2026
Shortage resolved
Common questions
What is Fentanyl used for?
A very strong opioid pain medication used to manage severe pain.
When will Fentanyl be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Mar 1, 2027. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Fentanyl 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.