rxstat › Shortages › Vancomycin

Vancomycin (Vancocin) shortage status

Partial shortage

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Sep 2, 2026

Some Vancomycin products are in shortage in Canada (2 of 27 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.

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

Products affected
2 / 27
In shortage since
Sep 6, 2017
Reports on file
71
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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
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
Resolved
VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION, USP
1G · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02394634 · ended Aug 10, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION USP
10G · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02405830 · ended Aug 27, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION USP
5G · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02405822 · ended Aug 27, 2026 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
To be discontinued
VANCOMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION, USP
1G · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02394634
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.

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

What's happening

Vancomycin is currently affected by 2 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by JAMP PHARMA CORPORATION, HOSPIRA HEALTHCARE CORPORATION.

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.

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?

Manufacturers have not provided a reliable end date. This page updates automatically as soon as an estimate is filed.

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.

Dalbavancin (Xydalba) No current shortage Linezolid (Zyvoxam) No current shortage Colistimethate Partial shortage 1 of 1 reported products affected · est. return Oct 31, 2026 Colistin (Coly-Mycin M Parenteral) Partial shortage 1 of 3 reported products affected Daptomycin (Cubicin Rf) Partial shortage 1 of 3 reported products affected Methenamine Mandelate Partial shortage 1 of 1 reported products affected

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.