Salbutamol nebules and metered-dose inhalers in short supply: Notice

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Background

Salbutamol is used to relieve symptoms and prevent bronchospasms caused by asthma, bronchitis and other chronic bronchopulmonary disorders.

In Canada, salbutamol is marketed in nebules, metered-dose inhalers, respiratory solutions and injectable formats.

Pharmascience Inc. and Teva Canada Ltd. market the nebules and are both reporting shortages due to manufacturing disruptions.

Apotex Inc., Sanis Health Inc., Teva Canada Ltd. and GlaxoSmithKline Inc. (GSK) all market metered-dose inhalers. Apotex reports that increased demand due to people switching from nebules is behind its shortage. Manufacturing disruptions are causing the shortages at Teva Canada and GSK.

Supplies of nebules and metered-dose inhalers are expected to be constrained until spring 2025. Manufacturers have taken steps to manage the available inventories of nebules and metered-dose inhalers. Thus, they may not always be available at your pharmacy.

What we're doing

We recognize the importance of salbutamol nebules and metered-dose inhalers for patients. Addressing this shortage is a top priority.

We're communicating with health care providers, provincial and territorial governments, and distributors to coordinate the sharing of information about this shortage.

You can access resources to help manage this shortage:

We're working with manufacturers and stakeholders to monitor the supply of salbutamol nebules and metered-dose inhalers. We're also looking at how these products can be made more available.

What you can do

If you have any questions on the availability of salbutamol nebules or metered-dose inhalers, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to offer other options if your medicine is not available.

You should always:

All drugs approved for sale in Canada have an 8-digit drug identification number (DIN). The DIN assures you that Health Canada has assessed a drug and considers it safe and effective when used as directed on the label. The DIN also provides a way to track adverse drug reactions.

Report any health product-related side effects or complaints to Health Canada.

Learn more about drug shortages in Canada and how Canadians can deal with drug shortages.

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