rxstat › Shortages › Megestrol

Megestrol (Megace Os) shortage status

Partial shortage

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Aug 6, 2026

Some Megestrol products are in shortage in Canada (1 of 3 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 Sep 4, 2026.

A progestin used to stimulate appetite and to treat certain hormone-sensitive cancers.

Products affected
1 / 3
In shortage since
Jul 7, 2026
Est. full return
Sep 4, 2026
Reports on file
7
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.
Book a pharmacist appointment
Need your prescription switched?
If your product stays unavailable, an online doctor can assess your situation and prescribe an alternative.
See a doctor online

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

2023 2024 2025 2026

Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).

Reports by product

The DIN is printed on your prescription label.

Active shortage
MEGESTROL
40MG · TABLET · AA PHARMA INC
DIN 02195917 · since Jul 7, 2026, est. end Sep 4, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
MEGESTROL
160MG · TABLET · AA PHARMA INC
DIN 02195925 · ended Apr 3, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
MEGESTROL
40MG · TABLET · AA PHARMA INC
DIN 02195917 · ended Apr 3, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
MEGESTROL
40MG · TABLET · AA PHARMA INC
DIN 02195917 · ended Aug 15, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
MEGESTROL
40MG · TABLET · AA PHARMA INC
DIN 02195917 · ended Nov 28, 2022 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
MEGESTROL
40MG · TABLET · AA PHARMA INC
DIN 02195917 · ended Jul 23, 2020 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
MEGACE OS
40MG · SUSPENSION · BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB CANADA
DIN 02168979

What's happening

Megestrol is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by AA PHARMA 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.

Megestrol is classified under “HORMONES AND RELATED AGENTS” (ATC L02AB).

Recent changes

Common questions

What is Megestrol used for?

A progestin used to stimulate appetite and to treat certain hormone-sensitive cancers.

When will Megestrol be back in stock in Canada?

The latest manufacturer estimate is Sep 4, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.

Why is Megestrol 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

Get an email when this drug's status changes. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe.

Possible alternatives in the same class (hormones and related agents)

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.

Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) Partial shortage 1 of 8 reported products affected Buserelin (Suprefact) Widespread shortage 2 of 4 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.