Quick Answer
GLP-1 shortages are improving as of May 2026, but some doses of Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound still face periodic backorders. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have expanded manufacturing. If your medication is on backorder or unavailable, call multiple pharmacies, ask your pharmacist for a timeline, talk to your doctor about alternatives, and do not skip doses to stretch your supply.
Key Points
- GLP-1 shortages are easing but some doses still affected (varies by medication, dose, and location)
- Wegovy 2.4 mg is now more widely available after months of shortage
- Ozempic 1 mg and 2 mg doses still see periodic backorders
- Mounjaro and Zepbound availability improving as Lilly expands production
- Call multiple pharmacies — stock varies significantly between locations
- If your GLP-1 is on backorder: ask your pharmacist for a timeline, call other pharmacies, talk to your doctor about temporary alternatives
- Do not skip doses to stretch your supply — this can cause blood sugar spikes and appetite rebound
- Check the FDA Drug Shortages database for current status
Helpful products:
- Weekly pill organizer — track medication supply
- Digital bathroom scale — monitor weight during medication interruptions
- Medication tracker app — never miss a refill date
- Don't stop medication suddenly without consulting your doctor
- Supply is improving as manufacturers expand production capacity
Backorder Action Checklist
If your pharmacist says your GLP-1 is on backorder, do these steps today:
- ☐ Ask your pharmacist: "When is the next shipment expected?" and "Can you transfer my prescription to another location that has stock?"
- ☐ Call 3–5 other pharmacies in your area — availability varies by chain and location
- ☐ Contact your doctor's office — ask about temporary alternatives or dose adjustments
- ☐ Check the FDA shortage list — confirm whether your dose is officially in shortage
- ☐ Count your remaining doses — if you have less than 7 days of medication, this is urgent
- ☐ Do not halve doses to stretch supply — this causes uneven blood levels and side effects
- ☐ Ask about compounded GLP-1 from a licensed compounding pharmacy if brand-name is unavailable
Statistics
- FDA drug shortages: Some GLP-1 doses remain on FDA shortage list as of May 2026; others have been resolved (FDA, 2026)
- Production capacity: Novo Nordisk opened a new manufacturing facility in North Carolina; Eli Lilly expanded production at multiple sites (Industry reports, 2026)
- Demand growth: GLP-1 prescriptions increased 400%+ since 2020 (CDC, 2025)
- Wegovy 2.4 mg: Now more widely available after extended shortage period (FDA shortage database, May 2026)
- Ozempic 1 mg/2 mg: Still intermittently short in many regions (FDA shortage database, May 2026)
- Average backorder resolution: Most GLP-1 backorders resolve within 1–2 weeks; longer for specialty dose forms (Pharmacy Times, 2026)
Medical Review
This article was reviewed by the GLPSpot editorial team and checked against current prescribing information and cited sources.
GLP-1 Shortages: What to Do If You Can't Find Your Meds
GLP-1 shortages have made it hard for many people to fill their prescriptions. Here's what to do if your pharmacy is out.
Why Shortages Happen
- Demand is higher than supply
- Manufacturing can't keep up
- Raw materials are limited
- More people are getting prescriptions
Which Meds Are Affected
As of May 2026, here is where things stand:
Ozempic (semaglutide)
- 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg starter doses — generally available
- 1 mg dose — periodic shortages in many regions
- 2 mg dose — intermittent availability
Wegovy (semaglutide)
- 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg doses — generally available
- 1.7 mg dose — improving availability
- 2.4 mg dose — now more widely available after extended shortage
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses — generally available
- 7.5 mg and 10 mg doses — improving
- 12.5 mg and 15 mg doses — some regions still see gaps
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
- 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses — generally available
- 7.5 mg and 10 mg doses — improving
- 12.5 mg and 15 mg doses — availability varies
Availability changes weekly. Always check with your pharmacy.
What to Do If You Can't Find Your Med
1. Call Multiple Pharmacies
Different pharmacies have different stock. Don't give up after one "no."
2. Ask About Alternatives
Talk to your doctor about switching to a different GLP-1 that might be available.
3. Check Regularly
Supply changes often. New shipments come in. It's worth checking weekly.
4. Work with Your Doctor
Your doctor may know about availability and can help adjust your dose or switch medications.
If You Have Supply
- Don't skip doses to stretch it out
- Order refills early
If You Can't Get Supply
- Don't stop suddenly without talking to your doctor
- Ask about alternatives
- Focus on diet and exercise in the meantime
Looking Ahead
Supply is improving. Novo Nordisk opened a new production facility in North Carolina in early 2026. Eli Lilly has expanded tirzepatide production at multiple sites. Most GLP-1 doses are expected to be consistently available by late 2026, though high-demand doses may still have occasional gaps.
For the most current shortage status, check the FDA Drug Shortages database regularly.
Questions for Your Doctor
- What are my options if I can't find my medication?
- Are there alternatives available?
- What happens if I have to stop my medication?
- How long might shortages last?
GLP-1 Medication Backorder: What to Do
A backorder means your pharmacy cannot fill your prescription right now but expects to get stock soon. This is different from a full shortage — the medication exists, but the supply chain has not caught up.
If your GLP-1 medication is on backorder:
- Ask your pharmacist for a timeline. Most backorders resolve within 1–2 weeks. Your pharmacist may know when the next shipment is expected.
- Call other pharmacies in your area. Backorder status varies by pharmacy. A different location may have stock even if yours does not.
- Talk to your doctor about a temporary dose adjustment. If a lower dose is available, your doctor may recommend stepping down temporarily rather than stopping entirely.
- Do not skip doses to stretch your supply. Taking less than prescribed can cause blood sugar spikes, appetite rebound, and side effects when you restart at full dose.
- Ask about switching to a different GLP-1. If your specific medication is on backorder, another GLP-1 drug may be available. Your doctor can help you switch safely.
- Check the FDA Drug Shortages database. This lists which medications and doses are officially in shortage. Not all backorders appear here, but it is a good starting point.
- Consider compounded GLP-1 from a verified source. When brand-name medication is on backorder, compounded GLP-1 from a licensed compounding pharmacy may be an option. Talk to your doctor first.
Backorder vs. Shortage — What is the Difference?
- Backorder: Temporary. The medication is expected back in stock soon. Usually days to a couple of weeks.
- Shortage: Longer-term. The manufacturer cannot produce enough to meet demand. Can last months.
Both are frustrating. But a backorder is usually the easier one to wait out — especially if you have a few days of medication left.
What Happens If You Miss a Dose?
Missing one dose of a weekly GLP-1 injection is not ideal, but it is not dangerous for most people. You may notice:
- Increased appetite within 3–5 days
- Mild blood sugar changes if you have diabetes
- Return of some side effects when you restart
If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor. They may recommend restarting at a lower dose to reduce nausea and other GI side effects.
The Bottom Line
Shortages are easing but not gone. Wegovy 2.4 mg is now more available. Some Ozempic and Mounjaro doses still face gaps. Stay in touch with your pharmacy and doctor. Check the FDA shortage database regularly. Explore all your options, including compounded GLP-1 from verified sources when brand-name medication is unavailable.
This article is for information only and is not medical advice.
