rxstat › Shortages › Metformin

Metformin shortage status

Partial shortage

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 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. The latest estimate for affected products to return is May 15, 2026.
Products affected
3 of 33
In shortage since
Nov 24, 2017
Est. full return
May 15, 2026
Reports on file
133
Talk to your pharmacist. Pharmacists can often substitute another manufacturer's version, a different strength, or (in most provinces) adapt or renew a prescription on the spot. Your free provincial health line is 811.

Reports by product

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 · Other (Please describe in comments)
Active shortage
SEPTA-METFORMIN
500MG · TABLET · SEPTA PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 02379767 · since Nov 24, 2017, no end estimate · Other (Please describe in comments)
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.
To be discontinued
GLUCOPHAGE
850MG · TABLET · SANOFI-AVENTIS CANADA INC
DIN 02162849
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; other (please describe in comments). 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

Common questions

When will Metformin be back in stock in Canada?

The latest manufacturer estimate is May 15, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.

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.

Related drugs (blood glucose lowering drugs, excl. insulins)

Widespread shortageCanagliflozin2 of 4 reported products affected · est. return Dec 4, 2026Widespread shortageSitagliptin12 of 24 reported products affected · est. return Jan 7, 2027Widespread shortageTirzepatide6 of 6 reported products affectedPartial shortageDapagliflozin4 of 11 reported products affected · est. return Jul 24, 2026Partial shortageDapagliflozin Metformin2 of 6 reported products affected · est. return Jul 24, 2026Partial shortageGliclazide2 of 20 reported products affected

All blood glucose lowering drugs, excl. insulins shortage statuses →

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.