rxstatShortages › Pemetrexed

Pemetrexed (Alimta) shortage status

Partial shortage

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 15, 2026

Some Pemetrexed products are in shortage in Canada (4 of 12 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.

A chemotherapy medicine used to treat lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Products affected
4 / 12
In shortage since
Aug 1, 2024
Reports on file
21
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Pharmacists can substitute an unaffected manufacturer's version, adjust strengths, and in most provinces adapt or renew a prescription on the spot.
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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
TARO-PEMETREXED
500MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · TARO PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 02429209 · since Aug 26, 2025, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
TARO-PEMETREXED
100MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · TARO PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 02429195 · since Aug 1, 2024, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
TARO-PEMETREXED
1000MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · TARO PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 02480492 · since Aug 1, 2024, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
PEMETREXED DISODIUM FOR INJECTION
100MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · ACCORD HEALTHCARE INC
DIN 02438674 · since Jan 8, 2025, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
ALIMTA
100MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · ELI LILLY CANADA INC
DIN 02306433
Resolved
PEMETREXED DISODIUM FOR INJECTION
500MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · EUGIA PHARMA INC.
DIN 02528754 · ended Dec 7, 2025 · Shortage of an active ingredient.
Resolved
PEMETREXED FOR INJECTION
25MG · SOLUTION · ACCORD HEALTHCARE INC
DIN 02515423 · ended Feb 20, 2025 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
PEMETREXED DISODIUM FOR INJECTION
500MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · AURO PHARMA INC
DIN 02517647 · ended Feb 18, 2025 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
PEMETREXED DISODIUM FOR INJECTION
100MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · AURO PHARMA INC
DIN 02517639 · ended Feb 18, 2025 · Please be informed PEMETREXED DISODIUM FOR INJECTION is now available under Eugia DIN: 02528746
Resolved
TARO-PEMETREXED
500MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · TARO PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 02429209 · ended Aug 19, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
ALIMTA
100MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · ELI LILLY CANADA INC
DIN 02306433 · ended May 3, 2024
Resolved
PEMETREXED FOR INJECTION
25MG · SOLUTION · ACCORD HEALTHCARE INC
DIN 02515423 · ended Jul 21, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Showing 12 of 21 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.

What's happening

Pemetrexed is currently affected by 4 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by TARO PHARMACEUTICALS INC, ACCORD HEALTHCARE 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.

Pemetrexed is classified under “ANTIMETABOLITES” (ATC L01BA).

Recent changes

Common questions

What is Pemetrexed used for?

A chemotherapy medicine used to treat lung cancer and mesothelioma.

When will Pemetrexed 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 Pemetrexed 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 (antimetabolites)

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.

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.