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Type 2

Drug Shortages: Ozempic, Mounjaro, and More

3 Minute Read
Semaglutide

Key takeaways:

  • Due to high demand, diabetes and weight loss medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) may be in limited supply.
  • Some shortages have been resolved but Ozempic-maker Novo Nordisk confirmed that shortages are expected to be a problem for the drug until at least fall 2024.
  • Healthcare providers are recommended to limit starting any new people on either Ozempic or Victoza (another diabetes drug) until the supply of these drugs improves.

New diabetes and weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have made quite a splash at doctor’s offices, on TV, and even among TikTok influencers. In addition to their well-known weight loss effects, these drugs improve glycemic control and can protect the heart and kidneys. 

Because of the unprecedented demand for these medications, many are in limited supply including Ozempic and Victoza (liraglutide), which Novo Nordisk confirmed will be in short supply until at least fall of 2024. According to the FDA Drug Shortages database, semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide are all currently in shortage.

The European Medicines Agency recommends healthcare providers limit starting any new Ozempic or Victoza treatments to ensure enough is available for those already taking it. Still, some people currently being treated with GLP-1s like Ozempic may not have access due to the shortage; if this is the case, healthcare providers should explore safely switching to another available GLP-1.

Which doses are affected? 

As of September 2024, the lower doses of Ozempic (0.25 mg and 0.5 mg doses) are in limited supply. Most doses of Wegovy (semaglutide for weight loss) are available except the 0.25 mg dose, which has limited availability. 

All doses of Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are available, but the FDA notes on their drug shortage page that tirzepatide generally is in shortage. All doses of liraglutide (Victoza for diabetes, Saxenda for weight loss) have limited availability. Another type 2 diabetes medication Trulicity (dulaglutide) is in short supply, but all doses are available. 

At this time, the FDA does not have an estimate for how long any of these shortages will last.

How can you track shortages and supplies of GLP-1s? 

One way to check medication shortages is by searching the FDA’s Drug Shortage database. When a shortage is listed here, it means that the FDA is aware of the supply issue and is working with drug makers to resolve it. 

In May 2024, the telehealth company Ro launched a free interactive tracker to help people stay updated on GLP-1 availability by drug type, dose, and location. The tracker is open-access, meaning that anyone can report shortages or availability at specific pharmacies in their area and choose to submit these shortages to the FDA. It is automatically updated throughout the day. The tracker combines information from Ro’s supply data, reports from individual users across the U.S., and FDA shortage updates. 

You can register to receive email alerts when a specific GLP-1 medication is reported in supply in your area, or when its status changes on the FDA's Drug Shortage List. Supply alerts apply to pharmacies within 100 miles of your zip code and include lists of pharmacies and information on how to transfer your prescription from one pharmacy to another.

What can people with diabetes do during the shortage? 

There are several different options for dealing with the shortages. Users can switch to a different available dose or work with their provider to find another similar medication that isn't in short supply. Some examples of other GLP-1 drugs that may be available include: 

  • Rybelsus (semaglutide), a daily pill
  • Byetta (exenatide), a twice-daily injection

While this isn’t ideal long-term, it can still provide benefits until other doses are available again. It’s important to check with your healthcare and insurance provider to determine which alternatives are right for you and if they will be covered. 

The bottom line

Based on the demand for newer diabetes and weight loss medications, several companies are increasing production capacity. 

For instance, Lilly recently began making these drugs at its manufacturing plant in North Carolina and is expanding to other sites across the world. Likewise, Novo Nordisk more than doubled the amount of the lower doses of Wegovy starting in January 2024 to help meet increased demand and is slowly expanding overall supply. 

Although there may not be a specific end date in sight, the increased manufacturing capacity should help resolve these shortages. 

Shortages can certainly be a source of distress. Remember that they are temporary and that it’s important to continue practicing regular diabetes self-care and maintaining healthy habits in the meantime. 

Learn more about incretin therapies for diabetes: 

Image credit: Lilly