Drug shortages
Reliable access to medication matters.
Understand anti-seizure medication shortages, prepare for supply concerns and find reliable information and support.
Having trouble filling your prescription?
Contact your pharmacist and prescribing healthcare professional promptly. Explain which medication you take, how many doses remain and when your next dose is due.
Do not skip doses, reduce your dose, stop treatment or change medication on your own. If you may run out before the issue is resolved, ask urgently for an individual treatment plan.
What is a drug shortage?
A drug shortage occurs when a manufacturer cannot supply enough medication to meet demand in Canada. It may involve a particular manufacturer, strength or formulation.
A local pharmacy stock problem does not always mean there is a national shortage. Your pharmacist can help determine what is happening with your specific prescription.
Why can shortages happen?
Manufacturing delays
Production problems can reduce the amount of medication available.
Ingredient shortages
Manufacturers may have difficulty obtaining the materials needed to make a medication.
Increased demand
A sudden rise in demand can exceed available supply.
Other disruptions
Discontinuations, natural disasters and other major events can interrupt supply.
Why this matters for people with epilepsy.
For many people living with epilepsy, anti-seizure medication is central to managing seizures. Interruptions in prescribed treatment can increase seizure risk.
Prolonged seizures or repeated seizures without recovery between them can be a medical emergency, known as status epilepticus.
A treatment change may require a gradual transition or additional monitoring. Your pharmacist and prescriber should guide any change.
Options depend on your individual treatment. A different brand, formulation, strength or medication may be appropriate, but the decision and instructions should come from your healthcare team.
The impact can reach beyond medication.
Health and safety
A loss of seizure control may increase the risk of injuries, accidents and medical emergencies.
Work and independence
Changes in seizure control may affect employment, driving eligibility and everyday activities.
Financial pressure
Supply disruptions may lead to additional costs or time away from work.
Family and wellbeing
Uncertainty about treatment can create stress for individuals, families and caregivers.
Check reliable shortage information.
Use these official resources alongside advice from your pharmacist.
Drug Shortages Canada
Search reports about actual and anticipated shortages and discontinuations for specific products.
Health Canada supply notices
Find selected supply notices explaining significant issues, actions being taken and advice for people in Canada.
A report does not automatically mean your prescription is unavailable. Equally, a local supply problem may not appear in national reports. Always check with your pharmacist.
Plan ahead for refills.
Track your remaining doses and ask your pharmacist when to arrange your next refill. Where possible, allow time to resolve supply concerns before you run out.
Buy only what you need. Do not obtain medication from unknown sources, including online groups or social media.
What to do if medication is unavailable.
1. Contact your pharmacist.
Ask about your exact product and available supply options. Explain how many doses remain and when you will need more.
2. Involve your prescriber.
If supply cannot be arranged, contact the clinician managing your epilepsy. Make clear if you are at risk of missing a dose.
3. Confirm a treatment plan.
Your healthcare team can assess alternatives and explain any changes. Do not substitute products or calculate a new dose yourself.
4. Know what happens next.
Confirm where you will obtain medication, the instructions to follow and who to contact if supply remains uncertain.
Have these details ready.
- Medication name, strength and formulation.
- Manufacturer and Drug Identification Number (DIN), if available.
- Prescribed dose, remaining doses and when your next dose is due.
- What your pharmacy has told you about availability.
- Whether your prescribing healthcare professional has been contacted.
- Steps already taken to arrange supply.
Reporting requirements and current rules.
Mandatory reporting of shortages and discontinuations for covered medicines began in March 2017. Manufacturers publish reports through Drug Shortages Canada.
Canada strengthened its shortage framework in June 2026. Health Canada’s October 2026 guidance explains changes to reporting, exceptional importation and other tools used to address supply disruptions.
For the current requirements, consult Health Canada rather than older resources describing reporting as voluntary.
Stay informed about your medication.
Drug Shortages Canada offers email notifications about new and updated reports for selected products, ingredients or companies after you create an account.
Notifications can help you stay informed, but your pharmacist should advise you about your own prescription.
Advocating for reliable access.
People living with epilepsy need dependable medication supplies and timely information about disruptions.
If you have been affected, consider contacting your Member of Parliament or Member of Provincial Parliament. Describe the impact on your health and everyday life, and ask about efforts to prevent shortages and improve communication.
Epilepsy Ontario also provides background on why medication access matters to the epilepsy community. Some reporting information on its older page has been superseded by current Health Canada guidance.
Frequently asked questions.
My medication is listed. Will I be affected?
Not necessarily. Your pharmacist can check the specific product, available stock and options for obtaining your prescription.
Can I use a different brand or strength?
Ask your pharmacist and prescriber. The appropriate option depends on your medication and circumstances. Follow their instructions for any change.
Does an expected end date guarantee pharmacy stock?
Do not assume your pharmacy will have medication on a reported date. Ask your pharmacist to confirm availability and your supply plan.
What if I am about to miss a dose?
Contact your pharmacist or prescriber urgently for instructions. Do not ration medication or decide how to change your treatment yourself.
What if a shortage is not listed?
Start with your pharmacist. A local stock problem may differ from a reportable national shortage. Health Canada also provides contact information for concerns about unreported shortages.
Where can I find additional support?
Your pharmacist and prescriber should guide medication decisions. ESCO provides information about epilepsy programs and support services.
Looking for epilepsy support?
Explore ESCO’s programs and complete the appropriate intake form to request support. For medication supply concerns or treatment changes, contact your pharmacist and prescribing healthcare professional.
General information, not individual medical advice.
Reviewed October 31, 2026.
Medication availability can change; this page does not maintain a live list of shortages.
Sources:
Health Canada: consumer information;
Health Canada: healthcare provider information;
Health Canada: October 2026 regulatory update;
NHS: epilepsy treatment and risks.