rxstat › Shortages › Topotecan
Topotecan shortage status
Partial shortage
Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026
Some Topotecan products are in shortage in Canada (1 of 6 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.
In shortage since
Jan 8, 2025
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 shortageTOPOTECAN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION
1MG · SOLUTION · ACCORD HEALTHCARE INC
DIN 02396378 · since Jan 8, 2025, no end estimate · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
ResolvedTOPOTECAN INJECTION
1MG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02390981 · ended Jan 30, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
DiscontinuedTEVA-TOPOTECAN
4MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02441071
DiscontinuedTEVA-TOPOTECAN
4MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02441071
ResolvedTEVA-TOPOTECAN
4MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02441071 · ended Apr 7, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedTOPOTECAN INJECTION
1MG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02390981 · ended Aug 21, 2020 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
ResolvedPMS-TOPOTECAN
4MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02406446 · ended Apr 1, 2020 · Other (Please describe in comments)
DiscontinuedHYCAMTIN
4MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC
DIN 02231116
ResolvedTOPOTECAN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION
1MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 02379422 · ended Sep 4, 2018 · Demand increase for the drug.
ResolvedTOPOTECAN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION
1MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 02379422 · ended Nov 20, 2017 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedTOPOTECAN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION
1MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 02379422 · ended Aug 29, 2017 · Demand increase for the drug.
ResolvedTOPOTECAN INJECTION
1MG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02390981 · ended Jul 28, 2017 · Demand increase for the drug.
Showing 12 of 13 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Topotecan is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by ACCORD HEALTHCARE INC.
The reported cause is: requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices. 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.
Recent changes
Common questions
When will Topotecan 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 Topotecan 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
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.