Drug Shortages

Ongoing Drug Shortages: A Critical Issue for Canadians with Epilepsy

Canadians are currently facing widespread shortages of prescription medications — including essential drugs used to treat epilepsy. This ongoing problem cannot be ignored.

Lives at Stake

Sudden discontinuation or abrupt changes to epilepsy medication can lead to serious consequences, such as:

  • Breakthrough seizures

  • Status epilepticus (prolonged or life-threatening seizures)

Typically, epilepsy medications are adjusted gradually over weeks to ensure safety. When shortages happen without warning, patients are often forced into unsafe, rushed changes — putting their health and safety at risk.

The Ripple Effects of Drug Shortages

Unplanned changes to medication can result in:

  • Injuries or accidents

  • Loss of employment or driver’s license

  • Financial hardship

  • Strain on family and relationships

  • Increased seizure frequency or severity

Even when an alternative drug is prescribed, it may not provide the same seizure control, especially without time for a proper transition.

The Current Situation in Canada

Canada relies on voluntary reporting by pharmaceutical companies to drugshortages.ca — a site meant to track medication availability.
However, this system is flawed:

  • Reporting is not mandatory

  • Notices are often delayed or incomplete

  • Many patients and healthcare providers don’t get timely updates

This leaves people scrambling for information in stressful and dangerous situations.

How Epilepsy South Central Ontario is Taking Action

We believe pharmaceutical companies have a moral and ethical responsibility to:

  • Ensure consistent supply of epilepsy medications

  • Provide advance warnings of shortages

  • Be transparent about causes and expected timelines

We are actively advocating for stronger government oversight and intervention. We urge federal and provincial leaders to:

  • Empower Health Canada to manage and prevent shortages

  • Investigate root causes and fix system gaps

  • Develop a national strategy for drug supply stability

How You Can Help

Join us in demanding action. Reliable access to anti-seizure medications should not be optional.

  • Contact your MP and MPP — Tell them how drug shortages affect your life

  • Share your story — Help raise awareness and drive change

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Shortages

Have questions about how drug shortages may affect you or your loved one with epilepsy? The answers below can help you stay informed and prepared.

1. What is a drug shortage?

A drug shortage happens when a medication becomes difficult or impossible to obtain, which may prevent patients from getting their prescriptions filled.

2. What causes drug shortages?

There are many possible causes — some global, some specific to Canada. These include:

  • Manufacturing delays or shutdowns

  • Supply chain disruptions

  • Ingredient shortages

  • Unexpected spikes in demand

In many cases, the exact cause is not made public.

3. How do drug shortages affect people with epilepsy?

People with epilepsy rely on consistent access to anti-seizure medications to prevent seizures and maintain quality of life.
Shortages can result in:

  • Missed doses

  • Breakthrough seizures

  • Medical emergencies

  • Life-altering consequences like job or license loss

While many Canadians with epilepsy haven’t been affected yet, the number impacted continues to grow each year.

4. How will I know if I’m affected?

Your pharmacist is the best source of information about your medication’s availability.

You can also visit drugshortages.ca, a national reporting site where pharmaceutical companies may post updates.

Note: Reporting is voluntary and may be incomplete or delayed.

Just because your medication is listed doesn’t mean it’s unavailable — always check with your pharmacist.

5. What precautions can I take?

  • Refill your prescriptions several days before you run out

  • Monitor your supply regularly

  • Ask your pharmacist early if you suspect an issue

  • Don’t wait until the last day to refill

6. What should I do if my medication isn’t available?

  • Do not stop or adjust your medication on your own

  • Contact your healthcare provider immediately

  • Follow your treatment plan until advised otherwise

  • Your provider may help find alternatives or contact other pharmacies

7. Where can I get more support?

  • Talk to your pharmacist and doctor

When reaching out, have this info ready:

  • Medication name

  • Drug Identification Number (DIN) (if available)

  • How much you have left

  • Whether your doctor has been contacted

  • What steps have already been taken

8. What else can I do?

  • Contact your MP and MPP to express concerns and urge action

  • Share this page and help raise awareness within your community

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