Advocacy in Action: August 2025
August 25, 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 these meetings, CSHP has provided healthcare-systems pharmacy perspective on these acute drug shortages:
Fludarabine
Canada is currently experiencing a shortage of fludarabine phosphate injections from Teva and Accord due to manufacturing disruptions that are expected to continue through December. Fludarabine remains the standard of care for many hematologic malignancies. While its use in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia has declined, reliable and continuous access remains critical. Although current allocations remain high, and this product was proactively escalated to Tier 3 status on August 14.
Vincristine
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 indicated that intermittent supply constraints could continue until April 2026.
Vincristine is used as a component of multiple standards of care 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.
Cyclomydril Discontinuation
CSHP previously issued a statement outlining compounding options for Cyclomydril. Attempts to follow up with Alcon and Health Canada’s Special Access Program division have been unsuccessful. The CSHP Compounding Committee will meet in September to review the situation and consider a national strategy for managing the discontinuation of Cyclomydril from the market.
CSHP in the media
Quoted in Canadian Healthcare Network (CHN)
CSHP was featured in Canadian Healthcare Network following Eli Lilly’s announcement of a potential price increases for Canadian pharmaceuticals, including Mounjaro® (tirzepatide), linked to international tariff developments.
CSHP continues to work with government and other stakeholders to monitor the impact of tariffs and global market changes on Canada’s drug supply and pricing.
Read more here.
Consultations
CSHP has participated in the following consultations:
- Canada’s Drug Agency Consultation on the Proposed Advice on a National Bulk Purchasing Strategy | Submitted August 1, 2025. Read the Executive Summary here.
- Health Standards Organization Consultation: Update to CAN/HSO 3001:2025 Medication Management Standards | Submitted August 14, 2025. Read the Executive Summary here.
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!