Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 13, 2026
Some Metformin products are in shortage in Canada (3 of 33 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.
A diabetes medication used to lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.
Products affected
3 / 33
In shortage since
Nov 24, 2017
Reports on file
133
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-METFORMIN ER
1000MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · APOTEX INC
DIN 02460653 · since Apr 21, 2026, est. end May 15, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
TEVA-METFORMIN
500MG · TABLET · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02257726 · since Nov 19, 2025, no end estimate · Discontinued
Active shortage
SEPTA-METFORMIN
500MG · TABLET · SEPTA PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 02379767 · since Nov 24, 2017, no end estimate
Discontinued
GLUCOPHAGE
850MG · TABLET · SANOFI-AVENTIS CANADA INC
DIN 02162849
Resolved
SANDOZ METFORMIN FC
850MG · TABLET · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02246821 · ended Jun 15, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-METFORMIN ER
1000MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · APOTEX INC
DIN 02460653 · ended Apr 2, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
TEVA-METFORMIN
500MG · TABLET · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02257726 · ended Jun 10, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
PRO-METFORMIN
850MG · TABLET · PRO DOC LIMITEE
DIN 02314894 · ended Jul 25, 2025 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
PRO-METFORMIN
500MG · TABLET · PRO DOC LIMITEE
DIN 02314908 · ended Jul 9, 2025 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
TEVA-METFORMIN
500MG · TABLET · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02257726 · ended Jul 15, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
METFORMIN
500MG · TABLET · SANIS HEALTH INC
DIN 02353377 · ended Jul 3, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
METFORMIN
500MG · TABLET · SANIS HEALTH INC
DIN 02353377 · ended Jun 25, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Showing 12 of 60 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Metformin is currently affected by 3 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by APOTEX INC, TEVA CANADA LIMITED, SEPTA PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
The reported causes are: disruption of the manufacture of the drug; discontinued. 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.
Metformin is classified under “BLOOD GLUCOSE LOWERING DRUGS, EXCL. INSULINS” (ATC A10BA).
Recent changes
Jul 13, 2026
Status changed
Common questions
What is Metformin used for?
A diabetes medication used to lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.
When will Metformin 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 Metformin 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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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.