rxstatShortages › Remifentanil

Remifentanil shortage status

Widespread shortage

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

Remifentanil is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 2 of 4 reported products are affected. Manufacturers have not committed to a recovery date.
Products affected
2 / 4
In shortage since
Jan 22, 2020
Reports on file
5
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
REMIFENTANIL FOR INJECTION
2MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02344432 · since Jan 22, 2020, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
REMIFENTANIL FOR INJECTION
1MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02344424 · since Jan 22, 2020, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
REMIFENTANIL HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION
1MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02366460 · ended Oct 1, 2022 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
REMIFENTANIL HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION
2MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02366479 · ended Jul 26, 2022 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
REMIFENTANIL HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION
1MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02366460 · ended Nov 24, 2021 · Other (Please describe in comments)

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

Common questions

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.

Related drugs (anesthetics, general)

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.