Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Oct 13, 2026
Some Sufentanil products are in shortage in Canada (1 of 2 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer. The latest estimate for affected products to return is Dec 4, 2026.
A potent opioid used for anesthesia and to manage severe pain.
Products affected
1 / 2
In shortage since
Jun 25, 2026
Est. full return
Dec 4, 2026
Reports on file
5
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.
Independent services, not affiliated with rxstat; referral fees may apply. Free options exist depending on your province. In an emergency call 911; free health advice at 811.
Shortage history
Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).
Reports by product
The DIN is printed on your prescription label.
Active shortage
SUFENTANIL CITRATE INJECTION USP
50MCG · SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02442213 · since Jun 25, 2026, est. end Dec 4, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Anticipated
SUFENTANIL CITRATE INJECTION USP
50MCG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02244147 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
SUFENTANIL CITRATE INJECTION USP
50MCG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02244147 · ended May 5, 2025 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
SUFENTANIL CITRATE INJECTION USP
50MCG · SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02442213 · ended Mar 11, 2025 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
SUFENTANIL CITRATE INJECTION USP
50MCG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02244147 · ended Nov 2, 2022 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
What's happening
Sufentanil is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by STERIMAX 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.
Sufentanil is classified under “ANESTHETICS, GENERAL” (ATC N01AH).
Recent changes
Oct 13, 2026
New report filed
Jul 31, 2026
Estimated end date pushed back : Aug 31, 2026 → Dec 4, 2026
Common questions
What is Sufentanil used for?
A potent opioid used for anesthesia and to manage severe pain.
When will Sufentanil be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Dec 4, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Sufentanil 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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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.
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.