Methylphenidate (Biphentin, Foquest) shortage status
Partial shortage
Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 27, 2026
Also sold as: Biphentin, Foquest, Quillivant, Concerta
Some Methylphenidate products are in shortage in Canada (5 of 59 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 Nov 15, 2026.
A stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Products affected
5 / 59
In shortage since
Jan 30, 2018
Est. full return
Nov 15, 2026
Reports on file
246
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).
DIN 02536978 · ended Jun 24, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
QUILLIVANT ER CHEWABLE TABLETS
40MG · TABLET (CHEWABLE, EXTENDED-RELEASE) · KYE PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
DIN 02541629 · ended Apr 27, 2026 · Demand increase for the drug.
Showing 12 of 60 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Methylphenidate is currently affected by 5 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by PHARMASCIENCE INC, TEVA CANADA LIMITED.
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.
Methylphenidate is classified under “PSYCHOSTIMULANTS AND NOOTROPICS” (ATC N06BA).
Recent changes
Jul 27, 2026
Shortage resolved
Jul 27, 2026
Shortage resolved
Jul 27, 2026
Estimated end date pushed back : Oct 3, 2026 → Nov 15, 2026
Common questions
What is Methylphenidate used for?
A stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
When will Methylphenidate be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Nov 15, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Methylphenidate 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.