Pfizer Discontinues Premarin Hormone Therapy Products Across Canada

ISLAMABAD: (News Desk) – Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has decided to discontinue the sale of its hormone replacement therapy drug Premarin in Canada following an internal review, raising concerns about the availability of menopause treatments in the country.

The product, available in vaginal cream and three strengths of oral tablets, will no longer be supplied to the Canadian market, Reuters reported, citing confirmation from Pfizer Canada.

Premarin vaginal cream, which is prescribed to relieve menopause-related symptoms, has been facing a shortage in Canada since June. Pfizer confirmed that no additional batches of the cream would be supplied.

The development comes amid growing demand for hormone replacement therapy, particularly in the United States, where prescriptions have increased following the US Food and Drug Administration’s removal of longstanding safety warnings from these treatments in November 2025.

Other menopause treatment options are also experiencing supply difficulties in Canada. Earlier this month, Health Canada reported shortages of certain strengths of estradiol transdermal patches manufactured by Bayer and Sandoz, with intermittent supply disruptions expected to continue until early 2027.

The discontinuation of Premarin, alongside shortages of some estradiol patches, could further strain Canada’s supply of medicines used to manage menopause symptoms.

Pfizer clarified that its decision was not linked to any new safety, effectiveness or quality concerns. The company added that alternative treatment options remained available in Canada.

According to Pfizer, existing stocks of Premarin tablets in 0.3mg, 0.625mg and 1.25mg strengths are expected to last until around mid-2027. However, supplies could be exhausted earlier if demand rises.

The decision follows a separate supply disruption in India, where Pfizer suspended sales of Premarin vaginal cream in July. At the time, the company said it was exploring options to resume supplies.

Pfizer emphasised that the latest discontinuation decision applied exclusively to Canada and declined to comment on supply conditions in other markets.

Premarin contains a mixture of estrogen hormones and is prescribed to treat menopause-related symptoms caused by declining estrogen levels, including vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.

The cream and tablet formulations are marketed in several countries, including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore.