Pfizer Discontinues Premarin Hormone Therapy in Canada Following Internal Review

Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. announced it is halting the distribution of its hormone replacement therapy Premarin in Canada after completing an internal review. The decision marks the end of the Canadian availability for the vaginal cream as well as three oral tablet strengths. Pfizer Canada confirmed that no additional batches of the vaginal cream, which has faced local shortages since June, will be supplied to the market.

The withdrawal of these products comes amid broader strain on the Canadian menopause treatment supply. Health Canada previously reported that specific strengths of estradiol transdermal patches produced by Bayer and Sandoz are experiencing shortages that could persist intermittently through early 2027. Premarin is widely utilized to manage menopause symptoms such as vaginal dryness and discomfort caused by declining estrogen levels.

According to Pfizer, the discontinuation was not prompted by new safety, efficacy, or quality concerns, and alternative therapies remain accessible for patients in the country. Existing inventories of Premarin oral tablets in 0.3 mg, 0.625 mg, and 1.25 mg strengths are projected to last until mid-2027, though accelerated patient demand could exhaust supplies sooner. Meanwhile, the company clarified that its withdrawal does not apply to Premarin Intravenous, a hospital formulation used for treating abnormal uterine bleeding.

What to watch next

Monitor potential shifts in regional drug demand and whether remaining oral tablet inventories deplete ahead of the mid-2027 projection.