Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 23, 2026
Some Valacyclovir products are in shortage in Canada (4 of 21 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 Nov 24, 2026.
An antiviral used to treat herpes virus infections such as cold sores, shingles and genital herpes.
Products affected
4 / 21
In shortage since
Dec 15, 2016
Est. full return
Nov 24, 2026
Reports on file
81
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
APO-VALACYCLOVIR
500MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02295822 · since Jun 23, 2026, est. end Jul 24, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
MYLAN-VALACYCLOVIR
1000MG · TABLET · MYLAN PHARMACEUTICALS ULC
DIN 02351560 · since Dec 20, 2025, est. end Nov 24, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
JAMP-VALACYCLOVIR
500MG · TABLET · JAMP PHARMA CORPORATION
DIN 02441454 · since Nov 1, 2019, est. end Dec 30, 2022 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
BIO-VALACYCLOVIR
500MG · TABLET · BIOMED PHARMA
DIN 02444860 · since Dec 15, 2016, no end estimate · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Anticipated
MYLAN-VALACYCLOVIR
500MG · TABLET · MYLAN PHARMACEUTICALS ULC
DIN 02351579 · ended Apr 7, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
TEVA-VALACYCLOVIR
500MG · TABLET · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02357534 · ended Jun 3, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
VALTREX
500MG · TABLET · GLAXOSMITHKLINE INC
DIN 02219492 · ended Apr 14, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
VALTREX
1000MG · TABLET · GLAXOSMITHKLINE INC
DIN 02246559 · ended Feb 25, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
MYLAN-VALACYCLOVIR
500MG · TABLET · MYLAN PHARMACEUTICALS ULC
DIN 02351579 · ended Nov 25, 2025 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
SANDOZ VALACYCLOVIR
500MG · TABLET · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02347091 · ended Jul 14, 2025 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
APO-VALACYCLOVIR
1000MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02354705 · ended Mar 13, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-VALACYCLOVIR
500MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02295822 · ended Mar 6, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Showing 12 of 60 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Valacyclovir is currently affected by 4 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by APOTEX INC, MYLAN PHARMACEUTICALS ULC, JAMP PHARMA CORPORATION, BIOMED PHARMA.
The reported causes are: disruption of the manufacture of the drug; delay in shipping 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.
Valacyclovir is classified under “DIRECT ACTING ANTIVIRALS” (ATC J05AB).
Recent changes
Jul 17, 2026
Estimated end date pushed back : Jul 17, 2026 → Jul 24, 2026
Jul 13, 2026
Estimated end date pushed back : Sep 29, 2026 → Nov 24, 2026
Jul 9, 2026
Estimated end date pushed back : Jul 10, 2026 → Jul 17, 2026
Common questions
What is Valacyclovir used for?
An antiviral used to treat herpes virus infections such as cold sores, shingles and genital herpes.
When will Valacyclovir be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Nov 24, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Valacyclovir 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.