Pfizer Inc. (PFE) is pulling its Premarin hormone replacement therapy from Canada. The company confirmed to Reuters on Thursday that it will supply no further batches of the vaginal cream, which treats menopause symptoms and has been in shortage in Canada since June. The three oral tablet strengths are also going away.

So if you're a Canadian patient relying on Premarin cream, the shelf is about to get emptier. And it's not the only one.

Menopause Drug Shortages Strain Canadian Supply

The Premarin discontinuation, alongside shortages of certain estradiol patches, could add pressure on Canada's menopause drug supply, Reuters reported. Earlier this month, Health Canada said specific strengths of estradiol transdermal patches made by Bayer and Sandoz were in short supply, with intermittent shortages expected to continue until early 2027.

That's a long runway of scarcity for a category of drugs that a lot of people need every day.

Pfizer Cites Internal Review Over Safety Concerns

Pfizer said new safety, efficacy, or quality concerns did not drive its decision to discontinue the therapy. The company added that alternative menopause treatment options remain available for patients across Canada.

Current Canadian inventories of Premarin oral tablets in 0.3 milligram, 0.625 mg and 1.25 mg strengths should last until approximately mid-2027. However, Pfizer noted that existing tablet stocks could run out earlier if patient demand increases.

Translation: the clock is ticking, and it might tick faster than expected.

Past Disruptions and Unaffected Hospital Treatments

This isn't Pfizer's first Premarin headache this year. In July, the U.S. pharmaceutical giant paused distribution of its Premarin vaginal cream in India, citing unspecified supply chain difficulties.

Premarin contains a mixture of estrogen hormones that treats vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and other menopause symptoms caused by declining estrogen levels. The cream and tablets sell across the globe, including in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore.

One silver lining: Pfizer's Canadian withdrawal does not affect Premarin Intravenous, a formulation that hospitals use to treat abnormal uterine bleeding caused by hormonal imbalance.

PFE Price Action: Pfizer shares were up 0.31% at $28.92 during premarket trading on Friday, according to market data.