Tetracaine (Ametop) shortage status

Partial shortage

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

Some Tetracaine 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. The latest estimate for affected products to return is Aug 30, 2026.

A local anesthetic used to numb an area for procedures.

Products affected

1 / 1

In shortage since

Aug 19, 2025

Est. full return

Aug 30, 2026

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

The DIN is printed on your prescription label.

Active shortage

AMETOP GEL 4%

40MG · GEL · VALEO PHARMA INC

DIN 02230575 · since Aug 19, 2025, est. end Aug 30, 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

Tetracaine is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by VALEO PHARMA 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.

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

Recent changes

No changes recorded yet.

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?

The latest manufacturer estimate is Aug 30, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.

Why is Tetracaine 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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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.