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Tetracaine (Ametop) shortage status

No current shortage

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Sep 14, 2026

Tetracaine has no current shortage reported in Canada. It has been in shortage before; the history is below.

A local anesthetic used to numb an area for procedures.

Products affected

0 / 1

Reports on file

Shortage history

Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).

Reports by product

The DIN is printed on your prescription label.

Resolved

AMETOP GEL 4%

40MG · GEL · VALEO PHARMA INC

DIN 02230575 · ended Sep 11, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Resolved

AMETOP GEL 4%

40MG · GEL · SMITH & NEPHEW INC

DIN 02230575 · ended Feb 28, 2019 · Shortage due to some changes to the artwork for some of the other markets that are manufactured with the Canada code.

What's happening

There are no active shortage reports for Tetracaine. Health Canada has 2 historical reports on file for this drug, so supply has been disrupted before; the change log below shows the history.

Tetracaine is classified under “ANTIPRURITICS,INCL ANTIHIST,ANESTHET,ETC.” (ATC D04AB).

Recent changes

Sep 14, 2026 Shortage resolved
Sep 9, 2026 Estimated end date pushed back : Aug 30, 2026 → Sep 15, 2026

Common questions

What is Tetracaine used for?

A local anesthetic used to numb an area for procedures.

When will Tetracaine be back in stock in Canada?

Tetracaine has no active shortage; supply is normal per Health Canada reports.

Why is Tetracaine in shortage?

It isn't currently. Past reports and their reasons are listed above.

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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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.