rxstatShortages › Valproic Acid

Valproic Acid (Epival, Depakene) shortage status

Partial shortage

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 16, 2026

Some Valproic Acid products are in shortage in Canada (4 of 24 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 Dec 30, 2026.

An anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder.

Products affected
4 / 24
In shortage since
Jan 26, 2022
Est. full return
Dec 30, 2026
Reports on file
87
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Shortage history

2023 2024 2025 2026

Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).

Reports by product

The DIN is printed on your prescription label.

Active shortage
APO-DIVALPROEX
250MG · TABLET (DELAYED-RELEASE) TABLET (ENTERIC-COATED) · APOTEX INC
DIN 02239699 · since Jul 14, 2026, est. end Sep 18, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
PMS-VALPROIC ACID
250MG · CAPSULE · PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02230768 · since Mar 16, 2025, est. end Dec 30, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
PMS-VALPROIC ACID E.C.
500MG · CAPSULE (ENTERIC-COATED) · PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02229628 · since Jan 26, 2022, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
APO-VALPROIC ACID ORAL SOLUTION
250MG · SOLUTION · APOTEX INC
DIN 02238370 · since Sep 5, 2023, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
JAMP VALPROIC ACID ORAL SOLUTION
250MG · SOLUTION · JAMP PHARMA CORPORATION
DIN 02532441 · ended May 28, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-DIVALPROEX
500MG · TABLET (DELAYED-RELEASE) TABLET (ENTERIC-COATED) · APOTEX INC
DIN 02239700 · ended Aug 15, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DEPAKENE
250MG · SOLUTION SOLUTION · BGP PHARMA ULC
DIN 00443832 · ended Aug 6, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
APO-VALPROIC ACID ORAL SOLUTION
250MG · SOLUTION · APOTEX INC
DIN 02238370
Resolved
APO-DIVALPROEX
250MG · TABLET (DELAYED-RELEASE) TABLET (ENTERIC-COATED) · APOTEX INC
DIN 02239699 · ended Oct 26, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-DIVALPROEX
500MG · TABLET (DELAYED-RELEASE) TABLET (ENTERIC-COATED) · APOTEX INC
DIN 02239700 · ended Sep 21, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-DIVALPROEX
125MG · TABLET (DELAYED-RELEASE) TABLET (ENTERIC-COATED) · APOTEX INC
DIN 02239698 · ended Aug 31, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-DIVALPROEX
500MG · TABLET (DELAYED-RELEASE) TABLET (ENTERIC-COATED) · APOTEX INC
DIN 02239700 · ended Jul 4, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Showing 12 of 60 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.

What's happening

Valproic Acid is currently affected by 4 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by APOTEX INC, PHARMASCIENCE 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.

Valproic Acid is classified under “ANTIEPILEPTICS” (ATC N03AG).

Recent changes

Common questions

What is Valproic Acid used for?

An anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder.

When will Valproic Acid be back in stock in Canada?

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

Why is Valproic Acid 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 (antiepileptics)

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.

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.