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Fluorescein Benoxinate shortage status

Partial shortage

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

Some Fluorescein Benoxinate products are in shortage in Canada (1 of 2 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.
Products affected
1 / 2
In shortage since
May 1, 2018
Reports on file
2
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
FLUORESCEIN SODIUM & BENOXINATE HYDROCHLORIDE OPHTALMIC SOLUTION, USP
0.25% 0.4% · SOLUTION · BAUSCH & LOMB INC
DIN 02237775 · since May 1, 2018, no end estimate · Other (Please describe in comments)
Discontinued
FLURESS
0.25% 0.4% · SOLUTION · AKORN INC
DIN 02216728

What's happening

Fluorescein Benoxinate is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by BAUSCH & LOMB INC.

The reported cause is: other (please describe in comments). 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 Benoxinate is classified under “DIAGNOSTICAGENTS” (ATC S01JA).

Recent changes

Common questions

When will Fluorescein Benoxinate 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 Fluorescein Benoxinate 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 (diagnosticagents)

Widespread shortageFluorescein4 of 5 reported products affected · est. return Sep 30, 2026Partial shortageProxymetacaine Fluorescein1 of 1 reported products affectedPartial shortageRose Bengal1 of 1 reported products affected

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.