Water (Sterile Water, Sterile Diluent) shortage status
Partial shortage
Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Sep 16, 2026
Also sold as: Sterile Water, Sterile Diluent, Bacteriostatic Water
Some Water products are in shortage in Canada (3 of 11 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 30, 2026.
Products affected
3 / 11
In shortage since
Feb 6, 2023
Est. full return
Sep 30, 2026
Reports on file
57
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
BACTERIOSTATIC WATER FOR INJECTION USP
30ML · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00038202 · since Sep 7, 2026, est. end Sep 30, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
STERILE WATER FOR INJECTION USP
100% · SOLUTION · HIKMA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02299186 · since Jul 1, 2026, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
BACTERIOSTATIC WATER FOR INJECTION USP
30ML · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00038202 · since May 27, 2026, no end estimate · Demand increase for the drug.
Active shortage
STERILE WATER FOR IRRIGATION USP
100% · LIQUID · ICU MEDICAL CANADA INC
DIN 00038229 · since Apr 17, 2023, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
STERILE WATER FOR IRRIGATION USP
100% · LIQUID · ICU MEDICAL CANADA INC
DIN 00038229 · since Feb 6, 2023, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
STERILE WATER FOR IRRIGATION USP
100% · LIQUID · ICU MEDICAL CANADA INC
DIN 00038229 · since Jun 26, 2023, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
STERILE WATER FOR IRRIGATION USP
100% · LIQUID · ICU MEDICAL CANADA INC
DIN 00038229 · since Apr 24, 2023, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
BACTERIOSTATIC WATER FOR INJECTION USP
30ML · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00038202 · ended Feb 6, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
BACTERIOSTATIC WATER FOR INJECTION USP
30ML · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00038202 · ended Dec 10, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
BACTERIOSTATIC WATER FOR INJECTION USP
30ML · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00038202 · ended Oct 17, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
BACTERIOSTATIC WATER FOR INJECTION USP
30ML · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 00038202 · ended Aug 15, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
STERILE WATER FOR INJECTION, USP
100% · LIQUID · BAXTER CORPORATION
DIN 02014882 · ended Mar 10, 2025 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Showing 12 of 57 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Water is currently affected by 3 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by PFIZER CANADA ULC, HIKMA CANADA LIMITED, ICU MEDICAL CANADA INC.
The reported causes are: disruption of the manufacture of the drug; demand increase for 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.
Water is classified under “ALL OTHER NON-THERAPEUTIC PRODUCTS” (ATC V07AB).
Recent changes
Sep 16, 2026
New report filed
Common questions
When will Water be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Sep 30, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Water 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.