Advocacy in Action: January 2026
January 30, 2026
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CSHP is pleased to share an update on the key advocacy and pharmacy practice initiatives that the Professional Practice team has been focused on over the past month.
Strategic Collaborations
ISMP Canada Medication Safety Self-Assessment (MSSA) – Hospital Advisory Panel
CSHP has joined an advisory panel with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada) to support the revision of the Medication Safety Self‑Assessment for Hospital (MSSA‑Hospital). The primary goals being to develop, validate, and implement an updated, evidence‑informed MSSA‑Hospital by spring. The revised assessment will incorporate comprehensive medication safety strategies and highlight key areas of vulnerability associated with harmful medication incidents.
Drug Shortages
Supply Updates
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) powder for suspension
Update: January 14, 2026, supply constraints ongoing
Oseltamivir suspension is expected to be very short supply for the remainder of this flu season following a higher-than-expected demand. Capsules are still expected to meet overall demand, though available supply buffers have tightened since late-December and early-January. Health Canada will continue to monitor capsules availability closely and report any significant changes that arise. Refer to CSHP and CPhA Guidance for strategies to conserve oseltamivir capsules.
Insulin Human in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Sterile Solution for Intravenous Infusion, 1 Unit/mL (Myxredlin®)
Ready-to-use Intravenous (IV) regular insulin (Myxredlin®) is also being reported in shortage. The estimated resolution date is set for January 30. This shortage is attributed to a slight shipping delay caused by inclement weather, which has further hindered the overall IV insulin supply.
Tier 3 Shortages
Benzathine Penicillin G (Bicillin L-A®)
Update: as of January 26, 2026, resupply delayed
Pfizer has reported a Tier 3 shortage of Bicillin L-A suspension for injection. The product was originally expected to be restocked by late-December; however, delays have shifted the anticipated resupply date to be February 16. Health Canada is working with Pfizer to speed up release and is also exploring potential foreign‑authorized supply as a contingency. In the event of Bicillin L-A shortage, please refer to PHAC’s guidelines for Interim Syphilis Treatment
Methotrexate
Update: December 16, 2025, Tier 3 shortage status removed
Methotrexate Injection preservative‑free, previously classified as a Tier 3 shortage, has been removed from Health Canada’s Tier 3 Drug Shortages list. The product was designated as Tier 3 status after Accord Healthcare experienced manufacturing delays. With these issues resolved, alongside current inventory levels and confirmed resupply, Health Canada has de‑escalated the shortage.
Ropivacaine
Update: January 7, 2026, extended shortage dates
Fresenius Kabi and Aspen Pharmacare have both reported a shortage of Ropivacaine bags and ampoules. The estimated resolution date has been extended to mid-late January, with one product—Naropin 10mg/mL 10mL ampouleë now expected to remain in shortage until mid-April. This situation has been escalated to Tier 3 status as ropivacaine is the preferred agent for certain indications due to its safety profiles. Health Canada will continue to monitor the situation and is exploring options to secure foreign supply.
Drug Discontinuations and Potential Shortages
Insulin Regular Vials
Update: January 15, 2026, Novo Nordisk will increase vial production. Despite this, a supply shortage is still expected by February/March. This is due to the ongoing Myxredlin shortage and delays in increasing vial production. Guidance for IV administration of regular insulin is currently being developed.
Eli Lilly plans to discontinue Humulin R® 100 units/mL vial by April 30. While Humulin R® cartridges and pens will remain available, they will not be sufficient to cover the increased demand stemming from the Novo Nordisk’s discontinuation of Novolin®. Eli Lilly expects to be able to support more demand in the future.
Novo Nordisk will continue making Novolin GE Toronto® vials but will discontinue cartridges. Because of the upcoming Humulin R® vial discontinuation and the ongoing Myxredlin® shortage, current stocks of regular insulin vials are expected to run out in February–March. Novo Nordisk expects a replenished supply in April.
Regular insulin vials are critical for IV use in hospitals, including for hyperkalemia, beta‑blocker or calcium channel blocker overdose, and diabetic ketoacidosis. Pens and cartridges cannot be used for these situations, and ISMP advises against withdrawing insulin from cartridges due to safety risks. CSHP and partners are preparing guidance to help manage this shortage.
Consultations
CSHP has participated in the following consultations:
- Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA) – Prioritization of Influenza Antivirals | Submitted: January 8, 2026
We are continuing to work on responses for the following consultations. Please contact [email protected] to provide your feedback.
To catch up on CSHP advocacy news, click here.
Have a question about Advocacy in Action or CSHP's advocacy and consultation work?
Reach out to our professional practice team!