An internal review has led Pfizer to end Canadian sales of Premarin, a hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women.
Premarin is a prescription estrogen replacement therapy that has been available in Canada as a vaginal cream and oral tablets in three strengths. It combines estrogen hormones and is prescribed to relieve vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and other menopause symptoms caused by falling estrogen levels.
The multinational pharmaceutical company has confirmed it will no longer market its Premarin cream or tablets in Canada “following a careful internal review.”
A Pfizer Canada spokesperson told The Epoch Times Premarin vaginal cream has been in shortage since June and will not be returning to the market. The company will continue to sell its existing inventory of its 0.3 mg, 0.625 mg, and 1.25 mg strength tablets. Stock is expected to last until approximately mid-2027, the spokesperson said.
“The decision is not related to any new safety, efficacy or quality concern,” she said. “We recognize the importance of continuity of care, and other treatment options are available in Canada.”
The company is urging patients to speak with their health-care providers before making any changes to their hormone replacement treatment.
The discontinuation of Premarin products comes at a time when there have been shortages of some estradiol patches and could add to pressure on Canada’s menopause drug supply.
The decision also comes after a separate supply disruption in India, where Pfizer halted sales of Premarin vaginal cream in July. The company said at the time that it was looking into options for resuming supply.
Pfizer said its most recent decision concerns Canada alone and would not comment on supply in other markets. Premarin cream and tablets are sold across the globe, including in the United States, New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore.
Premarin Intravenous, administered in hospitals to treat abnormal uterine bleeding caused by a hormonal imbalance, is not affected.
Reuters contributed to this report.
