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Pilocarpine shortage status

Widespread shortage

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026

Pilocarpine is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 4 of 6 reported products are affected. Manufacturers have not committed to a recovery date.
Products affected
4 of 6
In shortage since
Apr 16, 2015
Reports on file
6
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 shortage
PILOCARPINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS, USP
5MG · TABLET · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02402483 · since Apr 16, 2015, no end estimate · Other (Please describe in comments)
Active shortage
ODAN-PILOCARPINE
4% · SOLUTION · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD
DIN 00627755 · since Apr 15, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
ODAN-PILOCARPINE
2% · SOLUTION · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD
DIN 00627747 · since Apr 15, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
ODAN-PILOCARPINE
1% · Solution · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD
DIN 00627739 · since Apr 15, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
ISOPTO CARPINE
2% · LIQUID · NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC
DIN 00000868 · ended Sep 9, 2022 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Discontinued
ISOPTO CARPINE
4% · LIQUID · NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC
DIN 00000884

What's happening

Pilocarpine is currently affected by 4 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by STERIMAX INC, ODAN LABORATORIES LTD.

The reported causes are: other (please describe in comments); 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.

Pilocarpine is classified under “ANTIGLAUCOMA PREPARATIONS AND MIOTICS” (ATC S01EB).

Recent changes

Common questions

When will Pilocarpine 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 Pilocarpine 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.

Related drugs (antiglaucoma preparations and miotics)

Widespread shortageAcetazolamide2 of 3 reported products affected · est. return Jan 1, 2027Widespread shortageLevobunolol2 of 4 reported products affectedWidespread shortageTimolol6 of 12 reported products affected · est. return Jul 30, 2027Widespread shortageTimolol Brimonidine3 of 3 reported products affected · est. return Oct 2, 2026Widespread shortageTimolol Latanoprost4 of 8 reported products affected · est. return Aug 15, 2026Partial shortageAcetylcholine Chloride1 of 1 reported products affected · est. return Aug 1, 2026

All antiglaucoma preparations and miotics 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.