Lithium Carbonate (Carbolith, Lithane) shortage status
Partial shortage
Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026
Also sold as: Carbolith, Lithane, Lithmax
Some Lithium Carbonate products are in shortage in Canada (4 of 11 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer. The latest estimate for affected products to return is Jan 1, 2027.
A mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder.
Products affected
4 / 11
In shortage since
May 13, 2024
Est. full return
Jan 1, 2027
Reports on file
51
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
APO-LITHIUM CARBONATE
300MG · CAPSULE · APOTEX INC
DIN 02242838 · since Feb 4, 2025, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
LITHANE
150MG · CAPSULE · SEARCHLIGHT PHARMA INC
DIN 02013231 · since May 13, 2024, no end estimate · Long-term Backorder.
Active shortage
LITHANE
300MG · CAPSULE · SEARCHLIGHT PHARMA INC
DIN 00406775 · since Jul 2, 2024, no end estimate · Long Term Backorder
Active shortage
PMS-LITHIUM CARBONATE - CAP 300MG
300MG · CAPSULE · PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02216140 · since ?, est. end Jan 1, 2027 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-LITHIUM CARBONATE
300MG · CAPSULE · APOTEX INC
DIN 02242838 · ended Dec 19, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
CARBOLITH
300MG · CAPSULE · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 00236683 · ended Sep 24, 2024 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
LITHMAX
300MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · AA PHARMA INC
DIN 02266695 · ended Jul 23, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
LITHMAX
300MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · AA PHARMA INC
DIN 02266695 · ended Dec 30, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
LITHMAX
300MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · AA PHARMA INC
DIN 02266695 · ended Dec 2, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
CARBOLITH
150MG · CAPSULE · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 00461733
Discontinued
CARBOLITH
600MG · CAPSULE · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 02011239
Discontinued
CARBOLITH
300MG · CAPSULE · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 00236683
Showing 12 of 51 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Lithium Carbonate is currently affected by 4 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by APOTEX INC, SEARCHLIGHT PHARMA INC, PHARMASCIENCE INC.
The reported causes are: disruption of the manufacture of the drug; long-term backorder; long term backorder. 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.
Lithium Carbonate is classified under “ANTIPSYCHOTICS” (ATC N05AN).
Recent changes
No changes recorded yet.
Common questions
What is Lithium Carbonate used for?
A mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder.
When will Lithium Carbonate be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Jan 1, 2027. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Lithium Carbonate 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 (antipsychotics)
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.