Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 16, 2026
Varenicline is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 4 of 6 reported products are affected. The latest manufacturer estimate for full recovery is Aug 21, 2026.
A smoking cessation medication used to help people quit smoking by reducing cravings.
Products affected
4 / 6
In shortage since
Oct 21, 2020
Est. full return
Aug 21, 2026
Reports on file
34
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-VARENICLINE
0.5MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419882 · since Apr 28, 2026, est. end Aug 17, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
APO-VARENICLINE
1MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419890 · since May 5, 2026, est. end Aug 21, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
TEVA-VARENICLINE
1MG · TABLET · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02426234 · since Oct 21, 2020, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
TEVA-VARENICLINE
0.5MG · TABLET · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02426226 · since Feb 3, 2021, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-VARENICLINE
1MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419890 · ended Apr 3, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-VARENICLINE
1MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419890 · ended Jan 30, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-VARENICLINE
1MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419890 · ended Nov 14, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-VARENICLINE
1MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419890 · ended Aug 22, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-VARENICLINE
0.5MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419882 · ended Aug 22, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-VARENICLINE
1MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419890 · ended Jul 4, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-VARENICLINE
0.5MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419882 · ended Jul 4, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
CHAMPIX
1MG · TABLET · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02291185
Showing 12 of 34 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Varenicline is currently affected by 4 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by APOTEX INC, TEVA CANADA LIMITED.
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.
Varenicline is classified under “DRUGS USED IN ADDICTIVE DISORDERS” (ATC N07BA).
Recent changes
Jul 16, 2026
Estimated end date pushed back : Aug 7, 2026 → Aug 17, 2026
Common questions
What is Varenicline used for?
A smoking cessation medication used to help people quit smoking by reducing cravings.
When will Varenicline be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Aug 21, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Varenicline 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.