rxstat › Shortages › Paclitaxel
Paclitaxel shortage status
Widespread shortage Tier 3: critical
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. The latest manufacturer estimate for full recovery is Jul 17, 2026.
In shortage since
Sep 29, 2014
Est. full return
Jul 17, 2026
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 shortagePACLITAXEL 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 shortagePACLITAXEL FOR INJECTION USP
6MG · SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02320010 · since Sep 29, 2014, no end estimate · Other (Please describe in comments)
Active shortageAPO-PACLITAXEL INJECTABLE
6MG · SOLUTION · APOTEX INC
DIN 02248844 · since Mar 10, 2017, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedABRAXANE FOR INJECTABLE SUSPENSION
100MG · POWDER FOR SUSPENSION · BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB CANADA
DIN 02281066 · ended Jul 7, 2026 · Demand increase for the drug.
ResolvedPACLITAXEL INJECTION USP
6MG · SOLUTION · ACCORD HEALTHCARE INC
DIN 02391465 · ended Jun 21, 2026 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
ResolvedPACLITAXEL INJECTION USP
6MG · SOLUTION · ACCORD HEALTHCARE INC
DIN 02391465 · ended Nov 22, 2024 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
ResolvedPACLITAXEL INJECTION USP
6MG · SOLUTION · ACCORD HEALTHCARE INC
DIN 02391465 · ended Oct 25, 2024 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
ResolvedPACLITAXEL INJECTION USP
6MG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02320150 · ended Nov 20, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedPACLITAXEL INJECTION USP
6MG · SOLUTION · ACCORD HEALTHCARE INC
DIN 02391465 · ended Nov 13, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedABRAXANE FOR INJECTABLE SUSPENSION
100MG · POWDER FOR SUSPENSION · CELGENE INC
DIN 02281066 · ended Mar 18, 2022 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedPACLITAXEL INJECTION USP
6MG · SOLUTION · ACCORD HEALTHCARE INC
DIN 02391465 · ended Oct 27, 2018 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
DiscontinuedPACLITAXEL 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; other (please describe in comments). 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
Common questions
When will Paclitaxel be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Jul 17, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
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.
All plant alkaloids and other natural products 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.