rxstat › Shortages › Varenicline
Varenicline shortage status
Widespread shortage
Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 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.
In shortage since
Oct 21, 2020
Est. full return
Aug 21, 2026
Talk to your pharmacist. Pharmacists can often substitute another manufacturer's version, a different strength, or (in most provinces) adapt or renew a prescription on the spot. Your free provincial health line is 811.
Reports by product
Active shortageAPO-VARENICLINE
1MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419890 · since May 5, 2026, est. end Aug 21, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortageAPO-VARENICLINE
0.5MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419882 · since Apr 28, 2026, est. end Aug 7, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortageTEVA-VARENICLINE
1MG · TABLET · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02426234 · since Oct 21, 2020, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortageTEVA-VARENICLINE
0.5MG · TABLET · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02426226 · since Feb 3, 2021, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedAPO-VARENICLINE
1MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419890 · ended Apr 3, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedAPO-VARENICLINE
1MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419890 · ended Jan 30, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedAPO-VARENICLINE
1MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419890 · ended Nov 14, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedAPO-VARENICLINE
1MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419890 · ended Aug 22, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedAPO-VARENICLINE
0.5MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419882 · ended Aug 22, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedAPO-VARENICLINE
1MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419890 · ended Jul 4, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
ResolvedAPO-VARENICLINE
0.5MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02419882 · ended Jul 4, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
DiscontinuedCHAMPIX
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
Common questions
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.
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.