Advocacy in Action: October 2025
November 3, 2025
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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.
Drug Shortages
Through participation at drug shortage meetings, CSHP has provided healthcare-systems pharmacy's perspective on these acute drug shortages:
Ipratropium
Ipratropium solution for nebulization remains a Tier 3 shortage.
The following is the latest update on current supply levels and anticipated resupply timelines
- Teva:
- 250mcg/mL and 500mcg/2mL Sterinebs: Both dosages are currently in shortage with Teva expecting supply recovery by March 2026.
- Pharmascience:
- 125mcg/mL (2mL) Polynebs®: No back order reported. Next resupply is scheduled for January 2026.
- 250mcg/mL (1mL) Polynebs®: Current on backorder with the resupply scheduled for January 2026 and an additional restock by the end of February 2026.
- 250 mcg/mL (2mL) Polynebs®: an expected backorder from mid-January 2026 until the next resupply at the end of February 2026.
- AA Pharma:
- 250 mcg/mL (20mL) nebules: No back order reported, however, the 20mL vial size cannot be used interchangeably with smaller formats meaning it can’t be used to offset the current shortage.
Additionally, there are currently no backorders expected for Ipratropium MDI.
Health Canada is actively exploring procurement of foreign-authorized supply options. Details on these alternatives are not yet available.
Pegasys
Health Canada has authorized the importation of EU-authorized PEGASYS (peginterferon alfa-2a)to help address current supply needs. Available inventory is expected to be sufficient to meet demand.
Previously, Health Canada authorized importation of US-authorized BESREMi (ropeginterferon alfa-2b). Supplies are expected to remain available to support the continuity of treatment for patients already using BESREMi.
The Canadian-authorized PEGASYS stock is anticipated to be resupplied by the end of June 2026.
Sterile Light Mineral Oil
Omega Laboratories is reporting a shortage of Sterile Light Mineral Oil 100%, citing delivery delays. The next resupply is expected by mid-December with no further disruptions anticipated. There will also be a subsequent production run scheduled for January 2026 to support ongoing availability.
Sterile Light Mineral Oil 100% is used in skin grafting procedures to provide lubrication.
In response to the shortage, JELONET® dressings and Sterile Vaseline have been identified as suitable alternatives. Specifically, JELONET® 10cm x 10cm dressings can be used at a 3:1 ratio to replace Sterile Light Mineral Oil 100% 30mL vials.
This situation has not been escalated to Tier 3 status, as the current supply of JELONET® is expected to be sufficient to meet clinical needs during the shortage period. Health Canada will continue to monitor the availability of both Sterile Light Mineral Oil 100% and JELONET® to ensure uninterrupted patient care.
Vincristine
Teva has reported an improvement to the supply of vincristine sulfate injection. A shipment was expedited at the end of September and another, originally planned for December, was moved up to arrive by the end of October. Based on current projections, supply is expected to meet the usual demand into the new year. Health Canada is continuing to monitor this shortage closely and will consider de-escalation once supply stabilizes.
Teva is reporting shortages of all marketed vincristine sulfate injection formats (1mg/mL: 1 mL, 2 mL, 5mL) citing manufacturing issues. While the Canadian supply is expected to meet demand after mid-November, Teva has advised that intermittent supply constraints could continue until April 2026.
Vincristine is used as a component of multiple regimens in both adults and pediatrics, making reduced allocations challenging for hospitals and cancer centres. As such, vincristine was escalated to Tier 3 status on August 15.
Consultations
CSHP has participated in the following consultation:
We are continuing to work on responses for the following consultation:
CSHP at the House of Commons
CSHP CPO Rita Dhami appeared before the Standing Committee on Science and Research to highlight the urgent need for coordinated national action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
In her remarks, she emphasized the critical role of pharmacy professionals within healthcare systems in leading antimicrobial stewardship efforts. She called for consistent investment in resources, surveillance, and innovation across all care settings to protect patients from the growing threat of drug-resistant infections.
To watch Rita’s testimony, click here and to view the entire meeting, click here.
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!