rxstat › Shortages › Methadone

Methadone (Metadol, Metadol-D) shortage status

Widespread shortage

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Aug 17, 2026

Methadone is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 6 of 12 reported products are affected. The latest manufacturer estimate for full recovery is Sep 21, 2026.

A long-acting opioid used to treat opioid dependence and severe pain.

Products affected
6 / 12
In shortage since
Nov 1, 2018
Est. full return
Sep 21, 2026
Reports on file
26
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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
METADOL
1MG · TABLET · KNIGHT THERAPEUTICS INC.
DIN 02247698 · since Jul 30, 2026, est. end Aug 24, 2026 · Demand increase for the drug.
Active shortage
APO-METHADONE
1MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02533642 · since May 5, 2026, est. end Aug 21, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
APO-METHADONE
10MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02533669 · since Jul 21, 2026, est. end Aug 21, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
METADOL
5MG · TABLET · KNIGHT THERAPEUTICS INC.
DIN 02247699 · since Aug 5, 2026, est. end Sep 21, 2026 · Production delays
Active shortage
METADOL
1MG · SOLUTION · KNIGHT THERAPEUTICS INC.
DIN 02247694 · since Jul 16, 2026, est. end Sep 7, 2026 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Active shortage
METADOL-D
1MG · SOLUTION · PALADIN LABS INC
DIN 02247374 · since Nov 1, 2018, no end estimate · LTBO
Resolved
METADOL
1MG · TABLET · ENDO OPERATIONS LTD.
DIN 02247698 · ended Jan 26, 2026 · Production delays
Resolved
METADOL
10MG · SOLUTION · PALADIN LABS INC.
DIN 02241377 · ended Mar 27, 2024 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
METADOL
5MG · TABLET · PALADIN LABS INC.
DIN 02247699 · ended Mar 26, 2024 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
METADOL
25MG · TABLET · PALADIN LABS INC.
DIN 02247701 · ended Mar 25, 2024 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
METADOL
1MG · TABLET · PALADIN LABS INC.
DIN 02247698 · ended Mar 22, 2024 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
METADOL
1MG · TABLET · PALADIN LABS INC.
DIN 02247698 · ended Feb 29, 2024 · Delay in shipping of the drug.

Showing 12 of 26 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.

What's happening

Methadone is currently affected by 6 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by KNIGHT THERAPEUTICS INC., APOTEX INC, PALADIN LABS INC.

The reported causes are: demand increase for the drug; disruption of the manufacture of the drug; production delays; delay in shipping of the drug; ltbo. 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.

Methadone is classified under “DRUGS USED IN ADDICTIVE DISORDERS” (ATC N07BC).

Recent changes

Common questions

What is Methadone used for?

A long-acting opioid used to treat opioid dependence and severe pain.

When will Methadone be back in stock in Canada?

The latest manufacturer estimate is Sep 21, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.

Why is Methadone 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 (drugs used in addictive disorders)

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.

Acamprosate (Campral) No current shortage Buprenorphine Naloxone (Suboxone) No current shortage Naltrexone (Revia) No current shortage Varenicline (Champix) Partial shortage 1 of 3 reported products affected Varenicline (Champix) Widespread shortage 4 of 6 reported products affected · est. return Aug 21, 2026 Buprenorphine (Probuphine) Discontinued 0 of 1 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.