rxstat › Shortages › Fluorescein
Fluorescein shortage status
Widespread shortage
Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026
Fluorescein is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 4 of 5 reported products are affected. The latest manufacturer estimate for full recovery is Sep 30, 2026.
In shortage since
Apr 15, 2016
Est. full return
Sep 30, 2026
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 shortageDIOFLUOR STRIPS
1MG · STRIP · DIOPTIC PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 02160773 · since Mar 22, 2021, est. end Sep 30, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortageODAN-FLUORETS
1MG · STRIP · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD
DIN 00687812 · since Apr 15, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortageODAN-FLUORESCEIN
250MG · LIQUID · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD
DIN 00622877 · since Apr 15, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortageODAN-FLUORESCEIN
100MG · SOLUTION · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD
DIN 00622869 · since Apr 15, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedMINIMS FLUORESCEIN SODIUM
2% · DROPS
SOLUTION · BAUSCH & LOMB INC
DIN 02148390 · ended Jun 19, 2024 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
ResolvedMINIMS FLUORESCEIN SODIUM
2% · DROPS
SOLUTION · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 02148390 · ended Oct 10, 2022 · Demand increase for the drug.
ResolvedMINIMS FLUORESCEIN SODIUM
2% · DROPS
SOLUTION · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 02148390 · ended Aug 13, 2022 · Other (Please describe in comments)
ResolvedMINIMS FLUORESCEIN SODIUM
2% · DROPS
SOLUTION · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 02148390 · ended Jun 8, 2022 · Other (Please describe in comments)
ResolvedMINIMS FLUORESCEIN SODIUM
2% · DROPS
SOLUTION · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 02148390 · ended May 16, 2022 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
ResolvedMINIMS FLUORESCEIN SODIUM
2% · DROPS
SOLUTION · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 02148390 · ended Feb 16, 2022 · Other (Please describe in comments)
ResolvedDIOFLUOR STRIPS
1MG · STRIP · DIOPTIC PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 02160773 · ended May 30, 2019 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
ResolvedMINIMS FLUORESCEIN SODIUM 2%
2% · SOLUTION · VALEANT CANADA LP/VALEANT CANADA S.E.C.
DIN 02148390 · ended Feb 14, 2019 · Other (Please describe in comments)
Showing 12 of 13 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Fluorescein is currently affected by 4 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by DIOPTIC PHARMACEUTICALS INC, ODAN LABORATORIES LTD.
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.
Fluorescein is classified under “DIAGNOSTICAGENTS” (ATC S01JA).
Recent changes
Common questions
When will Fluorescein be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Sep 30, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Fluorescein 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.
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.