Levobunolol (Betagan) shortage status

Widespread shortage

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

Levobunolol is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 2 of 4 reported products are affected. Manufacturers have not committed to a recovery date.

A beta blocker used as eye drops to lower eye pressure in glaucoma.

Products affected

2 / 4

In shortage since

Mar 10, 2017

Reports on file

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.

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Need your prescription switched?

When every manufacturer is affected, an online doctor can assess your situation and prescribe an alternative.

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Shortage history

Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).

Reports by product

The DIN is printed on your prescription label.

Active shortage

APO-LEVOBUNOLOL OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION USP 0.5%

0.5% · LIQUID · APOTEX INC

DIN 02241574 · since Mar 10, 2017, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Active shortage

APO-LEVOBUNOLOL OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION USP 0.25%

0.25% · LIQUID · APOTEX INC

DIN 02241575 · since Mar 10, 2017, no end estimate · DORMANT DIN

Discontinued

BETAGAN 0.5% OPHTHALMIC SOL

5MG · LIQUID · ALLERGAN INC

DIN 00637661

Discontinued

BETAGAN OPH SOLN 0.25%

0.25% · LIQUID · ALLERGAN INC

DIN 00751286

Resolved

BETAGAN OPH SOLN 0.25%

0.25% · LIQUID · ALLERGAN INC

DIN 00751286 · ended Jul 26, 2017 · Company decision to discontinue the DIN

What's happening

Levobunolol is currently affected by 2 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by APOTEX INC.

The reported causes are: disruption of the manufacture of the drug; dormant din. 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.

Levobunolol is classified under “ANTIGLAUCOMA PREPARATIONS AND MIOTICS” (ATC S01ED).

Recent changes

No changes recorded yet.

Common questions

What is Levobunolol used for?

A beta blocker used as eye drops to lower eye pressure in glaucoma.

When will Levobunolol 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 Levobunolol 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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Possible alternatives in the same class (antiglaucoma preparations and miotics)

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.

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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.