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.
A chemotherapy medicine used to treat certain cancers.
Products affected
1 / 6
In shortage since
Jan 8, 2025
Reports on file
13
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
TOPOTECAN 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.
Resolved
TOPOTECAN INJECTION
1MG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02390981 · ended Jan 30, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
TEVA-TOPOTECAN
4MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02441071
Discontinued
TEVA-TOPOTECAN
4MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02441071
Resolved
TEVA-TOPOTECAN
4MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02441071 · ended Apr 7, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
TOPOTECAN INJECTION
1MG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02390981 · ended Aug 21, 2020 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
Resolved
PMS-TOPOTECAN
4MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02406446 · ended Apr 1, 2020 · Product to be discontinued
Discontinued
HYCAMTIN
4MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC
DIN 02231116
Resolved
TOPOTECAN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION
1MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 02379422 · ended Sep 4, 2018 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
TOPOTECAN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION
1MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 02379422 · ended Nov 20, 2017 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
TOPOTECAN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION
1MG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA INC
DIN 02379422 · ended Aug 29, 2017 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
TOPOTECAN 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
No changes recorded yet.
Common questions
What is Topotecan used for?
A chemotherapy medicine used to treat certain cancers.
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.
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Possible alternatives in the same class
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.