MEDICATION ACCESS · CANADIAN INFORMATION
Drug shortages. Know where to turn.
Epilepsy Ontario shares medication shortage updates on our website to help keep our community informed.
For the latest shortage status and official updates, check Health Product Shortages Canada and Health Canada. Our posts may not cover every shortage or reflect the most recent change. Your pharmacist can confirm what is available for your prescription.
IMPORTANT MEDICATION INFORMATION
Do not change your medication on your own.
Do not skip doses, reduce your dose, stop taking your medication, or switch products without advice from your healthcare team.
If you are running low or your pharmacy cannot fill your prescription, contact your pharmacist and prescribing healthcare professional promptly. Tell them how much medication you have left.
START WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM
If your medication is difficult to obtain.
01 · TALK TO YOUR PHARMACIST
Confirm the supply issue
Ask about your exact product, strength, and formulation. Your pharmacist can check supply information and help identify the next steps.
02 · INVOLVE YOUR PRESCRIBER
Discuss a safe option
If your usual medication is unavailable, your prescribing healthcare professional and pharmacist can assess suitable options. Do not choose a replacement or adjust your dose yourself.
03 · CONFIRM THE PLAN
Know what happens next
Ask what you should take, when the next supply is expected, and who to contact if the problem continues. Make sure you understand any instructions before changing treatment.
USE THE OFFICIAL SOURCES
Check the latest official information.
We may share important updates, but the official reporting website and Health Canada should be your main sources for current shortage information.
SEARCH PUBLISHED REPORTS
Health Product Shortages Canada
Search reports of actual or anticipated medication shortages and discontinuations. Have your medication name, strength, formulation, and manufacturer available when checking.
PATIENT & CAREGIVER INFORMATION
Health Canada
Read guidance about shortages, supply notices, and what to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist.
A shortage report does not always mean your medication is unavailable locally.
Some shortages are managed before they affect patients. Supply can also vary between pharmacies and regions. Your pharmacist can help you understand what a report means for your prescription.
Use a licensed pharmacy. Do not obtain medication from social media groups or unknown sellers.
PAST ADVOCACY & REFERENCE MATERIAL
Understanding the background.
Earlier epilepsy advocacy called attention to the impact of medication shortages on individuals and families. The original fact sheet and news archive are retained as historical resources.
They do not describe current shortages or current reporting requirements. Use the official links above for those details.
ADVOCACY UPDATES & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Connect with Epilepsy Ontario or your local agency.
For the latest epilepsy advocacy information and available community support, reach out to Epilepsy Ontario or your local epilepsy agency.
For medication supply or treatment decisions, contact your pharmacist and prescribing healthcare professional.
General information, not individual medical advice. Epilepsy Ontario’s website updates do not replace the official shortage reports, Health Canada notices, or advice from your healthcare team.
