rxstat › Shortages › Remifentanil
Remifentanil shortage status
Widespread shortage
A short-acting opioid used during surgery as part of anesthesia.
Shortage history
Reports by product
What's happening
Remifentanil is currently affected by 2 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by TEVA CANADA LIMITED.
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.
Remifentanil is classified under “ANESTHETICS, GENERAL” (ATC N01AH).
Recent changes
- No changes recorded yet.
Common questions
What is Remifentanil used for?
A short-acting opioid used during surgery as part of anesthesia.
When will Remifentanil 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 Remifentanil 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
Possible alternatives in the same class (anesthetics, general)
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.