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.
A diagnostic dye used in eye examinations to reveal damage to the surface of the eye and in retinal imaging.
Products affected
4 / 5
In shortage since
Apr 15, 2016
Est. full return
Sep 30, 2026
Reports on file
13
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
DIOFLUOR 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 shortage
ODAN-FLUORETS
1MG · STRIP · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD
DIN 00687812 · since Apr 15, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
ODAN-FLUORESCEIN
250MG · LIQUID · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD
DIN 00622877 · since Apr 15, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
ODAN-FLUORESCEIN
100MG · SOLUTION · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD
DIN 00622869 · since Apr 15, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
MINIMS FLUORESCEIN SODIUM
2% · DROPS
SOLUTION · BAUSCH & LOMB INC
DIN 02148390 · ended Jun 19, 2024 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
MINIMS FLUORESCEIN SODIUM
2% · DROPS
SOLUTION · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 02148390 · ended Oct 10, 2022 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
MINIMS FLUORESCEIN SODIUM
2% · DROPS
SOLUTION · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 02148390 · ended Aug 13, 2022 · pending QA release
Resolved
MINIMS FLUORESCEIN SODIUM
2% · DROPS
SOLUTION · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 02148390 · ended Jun 8, 2022 · QA release
Resolved
MINIMS FLUORESCEIN SODIUM
2% · DROPS
SOLUTION · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 02148390 · ended May 16, 2022 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
MINIMS FLUORESCEIN SODIUM
2% · DROPS
SOLUTION · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 02148390 · ended Feb 16, 2022 · PRODUCTION DELAY
Resolved
DIOFLUOR STRIPS
1MG · STRIP · DIOPTIC PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 02160773 · ended May 30, 2019 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
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
No changes recorded yet.
Common questions
What is Fluorescein used for?
A diagnostic dye used in eye examinations to reveal damage to the surface of the eye and in retinal imaging.
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.
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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.