News for Newfoundland and Labrador’s health workforce
Short briefs on what is changing in healthcare in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada, collected from official bodies and news outlets, each linked to its original source.
Nestle Enterprises reports its Viokace (pancrelipase) tablet faces an anticipated shortage from Feb 1, 2027, after a shortage of an active ingredient delayed finished-drug production. The shortage is estimated to end Nov 30, 2027, with an allocation process effective Nov 1, 2026.
Pancrelipase is used by people with pancreatic insufficiency, including cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis — patients and pharmacies should plan supply well ahead of the February start.
AbbVie reports its Humira (adalimumab) 40 mg solution for subcutaneous injection, in pre-filled syringe and pen form, is to be discontinued on Oct 30, 2026, for business reasons.
Humira is a widely used biologic for arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease — patients and prescribers should confirm the switch to biosimilars or other alternatives.
Apotex reports its Apo-Saxagliptin (saxagliptin) 2.5 mg tablet is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Oct 27, 2026 and is estimated to end Jan 8, 2027.
Saxagliptin is a widely used diabetes drug — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
Apotex reports its Apo-Rupatadine (rupatadine) 10 mg tablet is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Oct 29, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 13, 2026.
Rupatadine is a widely used antihistamine for allergies — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
Apotex reports its Apo-Duloxetine (duloxetine) 60 mg delayed-release capsule is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Oct 27, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 20, 2026.
Duloxetine is a widely prescribed antidepressant also used for nerve pain — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
Apotex reports its Apo-Levetiracetam (levetiracetam) 500 mg tablet is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Oct 27, 2026 and is estimated to end Dec 4, 2026.
Levetiracetam is a widely used epilepsy drug — patients should not run out abruptly and should check stock and alternatives with their prescriber and pharmacy.
Apotex reports its Apo-Gabapentin (gabapentin) 300 mg capsule is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Oct 27, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 20, 2026.
Gabapentin is widely used for nerve pain and seizures — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
Apotex reports its Apo-Ondansetron (ondansetron) 4 mg tablet is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Oct 27, 2026 and is estimated to end Jan 8, 2027.
Ondansetron is a widely used anti-nausea drug, including for chemotherapy and post-operative care — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
Apotex reports its Apo-Citalopram (citalopram) 40 mg tablet is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Oct 27, 2026 and is estimated to end Dec 4, 2026.
Citalopram is a widely prescribed antidepressant — patients should not stop abruptly and should check stock and alternatives with their prescriber and pharmacy.
Apotex reports its Apo-Ondansetron (ondansetron) 8 mg tablet is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Sep 8, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 13, 2026.
Ondansetron is a widely used anti-nausea drug, including for chemotherapy and post-operative care — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
Apotex reports its Apo-Fluoxetine (fluoxetine) 20 mg oral solution is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Aug 18, 2026 and is estimated to end Dec 4, 2026.
Fluoxetine is a widely prescribed antidepressant — patients should not stop abruptly and should check stock and alternatives with their prescriber and pharmacy.
Apotex reports its Apo-Sitagliptin/Metformin XR (sitagliptin / metformin) 50 mg / 1000 mg extended-release tablet is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Oct 19, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 20, 2026.
Sitagliptin/metformin is a widely used diabetes combination — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
Apotex reports its Apo-Ramipril (ramipril) 2.5 mg capsule is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Oct 6, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 6, 2026.
Ramipril is a widely prescribed blood pressure drug — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
Apotex reports its Apo-Oxycodone CR (oxycodone hydrochloride) 80 mg extended-release tablet is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Oct 6, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 6, 2026.
Oxycodone extended-release tablets are used for chronic pain management — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
Apotex reports its Apo-Oxcarbazepine (oxcarbazepine) 150 mg tablet is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Aug 18, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 6, 2026.
Oxcarbazepine is used for epilepsy — patients should not run out abruptly and should check stock and alternatives with their prescriber and pharmacy.
Apotex reports its Apo-Methylphenidate (methylphenidate hydrochloride) 5 mg tablet is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Sep 29, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 13, 2026.
Methylphenidate is a widely used ADHD drug — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
Apotex reports its Apo-Hydrochlorothiazide (hydrochlorothiazide) 50 mg tablet is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Oct 6, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 6, 2026.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a widely used blood pressure and fluid-retention drug — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
Apotex reports its Apo-Gabapentin (gabapentin) 100 mg capsule is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Sep 29, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 20, 2026.
Gabapentin is widely used for nerve pain and seizures — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
Apotex reports its Apo-Gabapentin (gabapentin) 400 mg capsule is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Oct 13, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 20, 2026.
Gabapentin is widely used for nerve pain and seizures — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
Apotex reports its Apo-Duloxetine (duloxetine) 30 mg delayed-release capsule is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Jul 28, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 20, 2026.
Duloxetine is a widely prescribed antidepressant also used for nerve pain — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
Apotex reports its Apo-Doxycycline MR (doxycycline) 40 mg immediate- and delayed-release capsule is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Oct 6, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 6, 2026.
Doxycycline is a widely used antibiotic — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
AA Pharma reports its Minocycline (minocycline) 100 mg capsule is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Sep 29, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 20, 2026.
Minocycline is a widely used antibiotic — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
AA Pharma reports its Diazepam (diazepam) 10 mg tablet is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Sep 1, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 27, 2026.
Diazepam is widely used for anxiety, muscle spasm and seizures — patients should not stop abruptly and should check stock and alternatives with their prescriber and pharmacy.
AA Pharma reports its Methyldopa (methyldopa) 125 mg tablet is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Oct 19, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 13, 2026.
Methyldopa is used for blood pressure control, including in pregnancy — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
AA Pharma reports its Restoril (temazepam) 30 mg capsule is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Sep 8, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 6, 2026.
Temazepam is widely used for short-term insomnia — patients should not stop abruptly and should check stock and alternatives with their prescriber and pharmacy.
AA Pharma reports its Ipravent (ipratropium bromide) 42 mcg nasal solution is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Aug 25, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 6, 2026.
Ipratropium nasal spray is used for runny nose from allergies and colds — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
AA Pharma reports its Brimonidine P (brimonidine tartrate) 0.15% ophthalmic solution is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Sep 8, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 6, 2026.
Brimonidine eye drops are widely used for glaucoma — patients and pharmacies should check stock and alternatives while the shortage runs.
AA Pharma reports its Aventyl (nortriptyline) 10 mg capsule is in an actual shortage after a disruption in manufacturing. The actual shortage began Sep 15, 2026 and is estimated to end Nov 6, 2026.
Nortriptyline is used for depression and nerve pain — patients should not stop abruptly and should check stock and alternatives with their prescriber and pharmacy.
A new 30,000-square-foot Deer Lake Community Health Centre in Newfoundland and Labrador remains empty more than two months after construction ended in August 2026, with no opening date given. NL Health Services is paying $200,000 a month in rent while both access routes stay blocked by concrete barriers, as the developer, town and province dispute road ownership, liability and a connection near the Trans-Canada Highway. The centre was meant to consolidate regional services, including the Deer Lake-White Bay Family Care Team; the health authority did not answer questions about an opening date.
Delayed openings leave communities without promised local care and keep patients travelling for services the building was meant to consolidate.
Health organizations using AI to accelerate digital tool development must still complete standard privacy, security, and procurement reviews. While AI can speed up coding, it does not automate the necessary governance documentation. Custodians remain accountable for personal health information regardless of the development method used.
Before adopting AI-built tools, confirm with vendors that they use enterprise agreements with zero data retention and only synthetic data in development environments.
