Aminophylline in short supply: Notice
Date published: April 19, 2024
Date updated: November 15, 2024
On this page
Update: November 15, 2024 – Resolution of Shortage
Aminophylline is now available across the country, thanks to a steady supply.
Health Canada will continue to monitor the supply of Aminophylline. We will update this page if there is any new information to share.
Background
Aminophylline is a prescription drug that helps:
- with breathing problems caused by lung diseases such as asthma and emphysema
- reverse the effects of medicines used to increase heart rates during cardiac stress tests
In Canada, aminophylline is marketed by Omega Laboratories Ltd.
Omega Laboratories is reporting a shortage due to a manufacturing disruption. The shortage is expected to last until mid-July 2024.
There are limited supplies available in Canada. These are expected to be depleted by May 2024.
What we're doing
We recognize the importance of aminophylline to patients. Addressing this shortage is a top priority.
We are communicating information about this shortage to health care providers, provincial and territorial governments, and distributors. We have also engaged the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.
We're also:
- working with the manufacturer and stakeholders to monitor the supply of aminophylline
- looking at how this drug can be made more available
Update: May 3, 2024
We have authorized the following foreign-authorized drugs be imported to improve the supply of aminophylline while it's in shortage:
- Greek-authorized Aminophylline Injection (imported by Juno Pharmaceuticals Corp.)
- UK-authorized Aminophylline Injection (imported by Septa Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
These foreign-authorized drug products are expected to be available by the first week of May 2024.
Visit the List of Drugs for Exceptional Importation and Sale
What you can do
Check this web page regularly as we will update it when new information becomes available.
Learn more about drug shortages in Canada.