April 17, 2020

Salbutamol relieves the acute symptoms of medical conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory conditions, such as coughing, wheezing and feeling breathless. It relaxes the muscles of the airways, making it easier to breathe.

Some manufacturers have reported shortages of this product on www.drugshortagescanada.ca because of an increase in demand related to the current COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, to manage and conserve supply, most patients will receive only one inhaler at a time when they go to refill their prescription.

Health Canada understands the stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and recognizes that Canadians may be concerned about not being able to get the medications they rely on for themselves and their loved ones.

The health and safety of Canadians is Health Canada’s first priority. We are working closely with other federal departments, provincial and territorial governments, international partners, and industry to help minimize the impact of this shortage and to help ensure that Canadians have access to the drugs they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes exploring access to international supplies and working with companies that are able to ramp up production, to increase supplies in Canada.