rxstatShortages › Vancomycin

Vancomycin (Vancocin) shortage status

Partial shortage

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

Some Vancomycin products are in shortage in Canada (4 of 27 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 Sep 1, 2026.

An antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections, including C. difficile infection of the bowel.

Products affected
4 / 27
In shortage since
Sep 6, 2017
Est. full return
Sep 1, 2026
Reports on file
69
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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
VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION USP
5G · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02405822 · since Feb 23, 2026, est. end Sep 1, 2026 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Active shortage
VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION USP
10G · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02405830 · since Apr 20, 2026, est. end Aug 31, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
JAMP-VANCOMYCIN
1G · POWDER FOR SOLUTION POWDER FOR SOLUTION · JAMP PHARMA CORPORATION
DIN 02420309 · since Apr 1, 2022, est. end Dec 31, 2022 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION, USP
5G · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · HOSPIRA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
DIN 02378337 · since Sep 6, 2017, no end estimate
Discontinued
VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION, USP
5G · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02394642
Resolved
VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION, USP
5G · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02394642 · ended Jun 15, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION, USP
500MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02394626
Resolved
VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION, USP
500MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02394626 · ended May 8, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION USP
1G · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02342863 · ended Apr 30, 2026 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION USP
500MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02342855 · ended Apr 30, 2026 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
VANCOMYCIN INJECTION USP IN 0.9% SODIUM CHLORIDE
1000MG · SOLUTION · BAXTER CORPORATION
DIN 02487071 · ended Feb 20, 2026 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
VANCOCIN
125MG · CAPSULE · SEARCHLIGHT PHARMA INC
DIN 00800430 · ended Oct 10, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

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

What's happening

Vancomycin is currently affected by 4 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by STERIMAX INC, JAMP PHARMA CORPORATION, HOSPIRA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION.

The reported causes are: delay in shipping of the drug; 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.

Vancomycin is classified under “OTHER ANTIBACTERIALS” (ATC J01XA).

Recent changes

Common questions

What is Vancomycin used for?

An antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections, including C. difficile infection of the bowel.

When will Vancomycin be back in stock in Canada?

The latest manufacturer estimate is Sep 1, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.

Why is Vancomycin 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 (other antibacterials)

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.