Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026
Paclitaxel is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 3 of 7 reported products are affected, and Health Canada has designated this a Tier 3 (most serious) shortage. Manufacturers have not committed to a recovery date.
A chemotherapy medication used to treat cancers such as breast, ovarian and lung cancer.
Products affected
3 / 7
In shortage since
Sep 29, 2014
Reports on file
15
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
PACLITAXEL POWDER FOR INJECTABLE SUSPENSION NANOPARTICLE, ALBUMIN-BOUND PACLITAXEL
100MG · POWDER FOR SUSPENSION · PANACEA BIOTEC PHARMA LIMITED
DIN 02496097 · since Apr 24, 2026, est. end Jul 17, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
PACLITAXEL FOR INJECTION USP
6MG · SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02320010 · since Sep 29, 2014, no end estimate · BUSINESS REASONS
Active shortage
APO-PACLITAXEL INJECTABLE
6MG · SOLUTION · APOTEX INC
DIN 02248844 · since Mar 10, 2017, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
ABRAXANE FOR INJECTABLE SUSPENSION
100MG · POWDER FOR SUSPENSION · BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB CANADA
DIN 02281066 · ended Jul 7, 2026 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
PACLITAXEL INJECTION USP
6MG · SOLUTION · ACCORD HEALTHCARE INC
DIN 02391465 · ended Jun 21, 2026 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
Resolved
PACLITAXEL INJECTION USP
6MG · SOLUTION · ACCORD HEALTHCARE INC
DIN 02391465 · ended Nov 22, 2024 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
Resolved
PACLITAXEL INJECTION USP
6MG · SOLUTION · ACCORD HEALTHCARE INC
DIN 02391465 · ended Oct 25, 2024 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
Resolved
PACLITAXEL INJECTION USP
6MG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02320150 · ended Nov 20, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
PACLITAXEL INJECTION USP
6MG · SOLUTION · ACCORD HEALTHCARE INC
DIN 02391465 · ended Nov 13, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
ABRAXANE FOR INJECTABLE SUSPENSION
100MG · POWDER FOR SUSPENSION · CELGENE INC
DIN 02281066 · ended Mar 18, 2022 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
PACLITAXEL INJECTION USP
6MG · SOLUTION · ACCORD HEALTHCARE INC
DIN 02391465 · ended Oct 27, 2018 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
PACLITAXEL FOR INJECTION
6MG · SOLUTION · HOSPIRA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
DIN 02296624
Showing 12 of 15 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Paclitaxel is currently affected by 3 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by PANACEA BIOTEC PHARMA LIMITED, STERIMAX INC, APOTEX INC.
The reported causes are: disruption of the manufacture of the drug; business reasons. Manufacturers must report shortages, but end-date estimates are their own projections and often move.
Health Canada has flagged this as a Tier 3 shortage, its most serious category, meaning the shortage has the greatest potential impact on the health system and alternatives are limited.
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.
Paclitaxel is classified under “PLANT ALKALOIDS AND OTHER NATURAL PRODUCTS” (ATC L01CD).
Recent changes
No changes recorded yet.
Common questions
What is Paclitaxel used for?
A chemotherapy medication used to treat cancers such as breast, ovarian and lung cancer.
When will Paclitaxel 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 Paclitaxel 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.
Email alerts
Get an email when this drug's status changes. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe.
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.