rxstatShortages › Lamivudine

Lamivudine (Heptovir) shortage status

Partial shortage

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

Some Lamivudine products are in shortage in Canada (1 of 6 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.

An antiviral used to treat HIV and chronic hepatitis B.

Products affected
1 / 6
In shortage since
Mar 31, 2026
Reports on file
13
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Pharmacists can substitute an unaffected manufacturer's version, adjust strengths, and in most provinces adapt or renew a prescription on the spot.
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Shortage history

2023 2024 2025 2026

Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).

Reports by product

The DIN is printed on your prescription label.

Active shortage
APO-LAMIVUDINE HBV
100MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02393239 · since Mar 31, 2026, est. end Jul 3, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
3TC
10MG · SOLUTION · VIIV HEALTHCARE ULC
DIN 02192691 · ended Feb 21, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
HEPTOVIR
100MG · TABLET · GLAXOSMITHKLINE INC
DIN 02239193
Discontinued
HEPTOVIR
5MG · SOLUTION · GLAXOSMITHKLINE INC
DIN 02239194
Resolved
APO-LAMIVUDINE HBV
100MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02393239 · ended Jun 25, 2021 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-LAMIVUDINE
300MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02369060 · ended Jun 25, 2021 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-LAMIVUDINE HBV
100MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02393239 · ended Feb 21, 2020 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
APO-LAMIVUDINE HBV
100MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02393239
Discontinued
APO-LAMIVUDINE
150MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02369052
Discontinued
APO-LAMIVUDINE
300MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02369060
Resolved
HEPTOVIR
5MG · SOLUTION · GLAXOSMITHKLINE INC
DIN 02239194 · ended Sep 12, 2017 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
APO-LAMIVUDINE
300MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02369060 · ended Aug 30, 2017 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Showing 12 of 13 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.

What's happening

Lamivudine is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by APOTEX INC.

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.

Lamivudine is classified under “DIRECT ACTING ANTIVIRALS” (ATC J05AF).

Recent changes

Common questions

What is Lamivudine used for?

An antiviral used to treat HIV and chronic hepatitis B.

When will Lamivudine 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 Lamivudine 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

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Possible alternatives in the same class (direct acting antivirals)

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.

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.