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Early influenza season hits Canada as vaccination campaigns commence for health workers

Canada’s flu season began seven weeks earlier than usual, with national positivity rates exceeding the five per cent epidemic threshold by mid-October. While H1N1 is the dominant strain, experts note that current vaccines remain effective at reducing the severity of illness and the risk of hospitalization.

You can now offer patients the current flu vaccine, which remains effective against the dominant H1N1 strain.

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News source: Early influenza season hits Canada as vaccination campaigns commence for health workers (opens in a new tab) — Global News Health

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Public healthCanada

Mantra Pharma reports shortage of 120 mg diltiazem capsules until December 15

Mantra Pharma reports its M-Diltiazem CD (diltiazem hydrochloride) 120 mg controlled-delivery capsule (DIN 02546086) is in an actual shortage caused by a delay in shipping. The shortage was anticipated from Oct 19, 2026 and is expected to run until Dec 15, 2026.

Diltiazem is a widely used heart and blood-pressure drug — pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.

Official source: Health Product Shortages Canada (opens in a new tab)

Public healthCanada

Health risks identified for patients cycling or stopping GLP-1 weight loss drugs

GLP-1 drugs were designed and tested for long-term treatment of diabetes and obesity, but growing numbers of people are using them off-label for short-term weight loss — microdosing, cycling on and off, or brief stints before weddings. A Danish study found roughly half of adults stopped semaglutide for obesity within 12 months. Experts warn stopping can lead to weight regain and worsened heart health and blood pressure, and mouse research found cycling made them less effective. No guidance exists yet on stopping safely; a 16-week Toronto trial is comparing tapering off with stopping abruptly.

Patients are asking frontline workers about GLP-1s for quick weight loss — this explains the risks of stopping and cycling, and that there is no safe way to quit yet.

News source: CBC News (opens in a new tab)

AlertDue in 35 daysPublic healthCanada

Alcon reports critical shortage of Miostat eye solution until December 1

Alcon Canada reports its Miostat (carbachol) 0.01% intraocular solution (DIN 00042544) is in a Tier 3 critical shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The shortage was anticipated from Sep 28, 2026 and is estimated to end Dec 1, 2026, though Alcon says current stock is under allocation and resupply is estimated for early January 2027.

Miostat is used in eye surgery — a Tier 3 critical shortage means surgical teams need alternatives or allocation plans now.

Official source: Health Product Shortages Canada (opens in a new tab)

Public healthCanada

Takeda reports Tecta 40 mg supply shortage through December 18

Takeda Canada reports its Tecta (pantoprazole magnesium) 40 mg enteric-coated tablet (DIN 02267233) faces an anticipated shortage from Oct 26 to Dec 18, 2026, driven by increased demand. Takeda notes the product is on limited allocation.

Pantoprazole is a commonly prescribed stomach-acid drug — prescribers and pharmacies should plan alternatives while the shortage is expected.

Official source: Health Product Shortages Canada (opens in a new tab)