Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 22, 2026
Minoxidil is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 3 of 5 reported products are affected. The latest manufacturer estimate for full recovery is Aug 28, 2026.
A medicine used to promote hair growth and, in some forms, to lower blood pressure.
Products affected
3 / 5
In shortage since
Apr 11, 2014
Est. full return
Aug 28, 2026
Reports on file
14
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
LONITEN 2.5MG
2.5MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00514497 · since Jul 17, 2026, est. end Aug 28, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
LONITEN 10MG
10MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00514500 · since Jul 17, 2026, est. end Aug 28, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
MINOX - LIQ TOP 20MG/ML
20MG · SOLUTION · LABORATOIRE RIVA INC
DIN 02228319 · since Apr 11, 2014, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
MEN'S MINOXIDIL FOAM
5% · AEROSOL, FOAM · TARO PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 02551446 · ended Dec 1, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
LONITEN 10MG
10MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00514500 · ended Apr 16, 2025 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
LONITEN 2.5MG
2.5MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00514497 · ended Feb 28, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
LONITEN 10MG
10MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00514500 · ended Oct 31, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
LONITEN 2.5MG
2.5MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00514497 · ended Oct 31, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
LONITEN 2.5MG
2.5MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00514497 · ended Sep 30, 2022 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
LONITEN 10MG
10MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00514500 · ended Sep 30, 2022 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
LONITEN 2.5MG
2.5MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00514497 · ended Oct 1, 2021 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
APO-GAIN LIQ 20MG/ML
20MG · SOLUTION · APOTEX INC
DIN 00885754
Showing 12 of 14 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Minoxidil is currently affected by 3 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by PFIZER CANADA ULC, LABORATOIRE RIVA 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.
Minoxidil is classified under “ARTERIOLARSMOOTH MUSCLE, AGENTS ACTING ON” (ATC C02DC).
Recent changes
Jul 22, 2026
Status changed
Jul 22, 2026
Status changed
Jul 22, 2026
Estimated end date moved earlier : Oct 16, 2026 → Aug 28, 2026
Common questions
What is Minoxidil used for?
A medicine used to promote hair growth and, in some forms, to lower blood pressure.
When will Minoxidil be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Aug 28, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Minoxidil 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.