Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Sep 8, 2026
Vitamin B12 is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 3 of 6 reported products are affected. The latest manufacturer estimate for full recovery is Sep 18, 2026.
Vitamin B12, used to treat or prevent vitamin B12 deficiency.
Products affected
3 / 6
In shortage since
Sep 15, 2016
Est. full return
Sep 18, 2026
Reports on file
16
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
VITAMIN B12
1000MCG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 00521515 · since Aug 24, 2026, est. end Sep 18, 2026 · Demand increase for the drug.
Active shortage
JAMP-CYANOCOBALAMIN
1000MCG · SOLUTION · JAMP PHARMA CORPORATION
DIN 02420147 · since Dec 13, 2016, est. end Jun 30, 2020 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
JAMP-CYANOCOBALAMIN
1000MCG · SOLUTION · JAMP PHARMA CORPORATION
DIN 02420147 · since Sep 15, 2016, est. end Jun 30, 2020 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
CYANOCOBALAMIN INJECTION, USP
1000MCG · SOLUTION · MYLAN PHARMACEUTICALS ULC
DIN 02413795 · since Jun 4, 2018, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
CYANOCOBALAMIN INJECTION USP
1000MCG · SOLUTION
LIQUID · HIKMA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02463393 · ended Dec 16, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
VITAMIN B12
1000MCG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 00521515 · ended Oct 24, 2025 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
VITAMIN B12
1000MCG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 00521515 · ended Oct 7, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
CYANOCOBALAMIN INJECTION USP
1000MCG · SOLUTION
LIQUID · HIKMA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02463393 · ended Dec 14, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
VITAMIN B12
1000MCG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 00521515 · ended Apr 4, 2023 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
CYANOCOBALAMIN INJECTION USP
1000MCG · SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 01987003 · ended Mar 27, 2023 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
VITAMIN B12
1000MCG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 00521515 · ended Nov 9, 2022 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
VITAMIN B12
1000MCG · SOLUTION · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 00521515 · ended Oct 19, 2022 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Showing 12 of 16 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Vitamin B12 is currently affected by 3 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED, JAMP PHARMA CORPORATION, MYLAN PHARMACEUTICALS ULC.
The reported causes are: demand increase for 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.
Vitamin B12 is classified under “VITAMIN B12 AND FOLIC ACID” (ATC B03BA).
Recent changes
Sep 8, 2026
Estimated end date pushed back : Sep 11, 2026 → Sep 18, 2026
Sep 2, 2026
Status changed
Aug 24, 2026
New report filed
Common questions
What is Vitamin B12 used for?
Vitamin B12, used to treat or prevent vitamin B12 deficiency.
When will Vitamin B12 be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Sep 18, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Vitamin B12 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.