Polymyxin B shortage status

Partial shortage

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

Some Polymyxin B products are in shortage in Canada (1 of 1 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.

An antibiotic used to treat infections, often applied topically.

Products affected

1 / 1

In shortage since

Jan 17, 2017

Reports on file

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.

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If your product stays unavailable, an online doctor can assess your situation and prescribe an alternative.

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Shortage history

Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).

Reports by product

Active shortage

POLYMYXIN B FOR INJECTION USP

50MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC

DIN 02375893 · since Jan 17, 2017, no end estimate · BUSINESS REASONS

What's happening

Polymyxin B is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by STERIMAX INC.

The reported cause is: business reasons. 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.

Polymyxin B is classified under “OTHER ANTIBACTERIALS” (ATC J01XB).

Recent changes

No changes recorded yet.

Common questions

What is Polymyxin B used for?

An antibiotic used to treat infections, often applied topically.

When will Polymyxin B 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 Polymyxin B 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 (other antibacterials)

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.

Dalbavancin (Xydalba) No current shortage Linezolid (Zyvoxam) No current shortage Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) No current shortage Colistimethate Partial shortage 1 of 1 reported products affected · est. return Jul 31, 2026 Colistin (Coly-Mycin M Parenteral) Partial shortage 1 of 3 reported products affected Daptomycin (Cubicin Rf) Partial shortage 1 of 3 reported products affected

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.