Is there still a GLP-1 shortage in 2026?

Most Wegovy doses are available again. Some Ozempic doses remain in shortage. Zepbound and Mounjaro availability has improved. Compounded versions remain available via telehealth.

What should I do if my GLP-1 medication is out of stock?

Call multiple pharmacies, ask your provider about switching GLP-1s, consider compounded versions via telehealth, or try LillyDirect Zepbound vials.

Are compounded GLP-1 medications still available?

Yes, through licensed compounding pharmacies via telehealth. Availability may change as shortages resolve.

Can I switch from Wegovy to Zepbound during the shortage?

Yes. Start tirzepatide at 2.5 mg and titrate up. Consult your provider before switching.

Is the FDA cracking down on compounded GLP-1 medications?

Yes. The FDA issued warning letters to 30 companies in March 2026. Compounded drugs remain legal during shortage but cannot claim equivalence to FDA-approved products.

Is there still a GLP-1 shortage in 2026?

As of August 2026, the FDA shortage list shows that most Wegovy doses are available again, but some Ozempic doses remain in shortage. Zepbound and Mounjaro availability has improved significantly since 2025. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide remain available through telehealth programs. Check the FDA Drug Shortage Database for the most current status.

What should I do if my GLP-1 medication is out of stock?

If your GLP-1 is out of stock: 1) Call multiple pharmacies in your area, 2) Ask your provider about switching to a different GLP-1 (e.g., semaglutide to tirzepatide), 3) Consider compounded versions through telehealth programs, 4) Ask about LillyDirect vials for Zepbound, 5) Do not skip doses or ration medication — talk to your provider first.

Are compounded GLP-1 medications still available during the shortage?

Yes. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide remain available through licensed US compounding pharmacies via telehealth programs like NewSelf, Mochi Health, and Hims & Hers. However, the FDA has stated that compounded drugs should not be available once the brand-name drug is no longer in shortage. Availability may change as shortages resolve.

Can I switch from Wegovy to Zepbound during the shortage?

Yes. Many patients have switched from semaglutide (Wegovy) to tirzepatide (Zepbound) due to availability issues. You start tirzepatide at the lowest dose (2.5 mg) and titrate up. Consult your provider before switching. See our switching guide for details.

Is the FDA cracking down on compounded GLP-1 medications?

Yes. In March 2026, the FDA issued warning letters to 30 telehealth companies for making false or misleading claims about compounded GLP-1 products. The FDA has sent thousands of warnings since September 2025. Compounded drugs remain legal when the brand-name is in shortage, but companies cannot claim equivalence to FDA-approved products.

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GLP-1 Shortage 2026 Update: Current Availability & Alternatives

Which GLP-1 medications are in stock, which are backordered, and what alternatives exist. Updated August 2026.

August 6, 2026Healthy-Weight Editorial8 min read

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD

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Current GLP-1 availability (August 2026)

The GLP-1 shortage that began in 2022 has improved significantly, but availability remains inconsistent across brands and doses. Here is the current status based on the FDA Drug Shortage Database and manufacturer communications as of August 2026.

Medication	Availability status	Notes
Wegovy (all doses)	✅ Mostly available	Novo Nordisk has increased production capacity. Most doses back in stock at major pharmacies.
Ozempic (lower doses)	⚠️ Limited availability	Some doses (0.25–0.5 mg) may still be backordered at certain pharmacies.
Zepbound (all doses)	✅ Available	LillyDirect vials ($299–$449) are reliably in stock. Pen form widely available.
Mounjaro (most doses)	✅ Mostly available	Supply has improved significantly since 2025. Occasional spot shortages at specific pharmacies.
Rybelsus	✅ Available	Oral semaglutide is generally in stock.
Foundayo	✅ Available	New to market; supply meeting demand via LillyDirect and Amazon Pharmacy.
Compounded semaglutide	✅ Available (telehealth)	Available via NewSelf, Mochi Health, Hims & Hers. FDA may restrict as shortages resolve.
Compounded tirzepatide	✅ Available (telehealth)	Available via select telehealth programs. Regulatory status may change.

What to do if your GLP-1 is out of stock

Call multiple pharmacies. Availability varies by location and pharmacy chain. Independent pharmacies sometimes have stock when large chains do not.
Ask your provider about switching. If semaglutide is unavailable, tirzepatide (Zepbound) may be a viable alternative. See our switching guide.
Consider LillyDirect. Eli Lilly's direct-to-consumer platform sells Zepbound vials at $299–$449/month with reliable shipping.
Explore telehealth compounded options. Programs like NewSelf offer compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide with nationwide shipping.
Do not ration or skip doses. Taking less than prescribed can reduce efficacy and cause side effect fluctuations. Talk to your provider about a temporary dose adjustment instead.
Check the FDA shortage database. The FDA updates its Drug Shortage Database regularly. Search for your specific medication and dose.

Need GLP-1 medication shipped to your door?

Telehealth programs offer reliable supply with nationwide shipping. No insurance needed.

Check availability

FDA crackdown on compounded GLP-1s

In March 2026, the FDA issued warning letters to 30 telehealth companies for making false or misleading claims about compounded GLP-1 products. The agency has sent thousands of similar warnings since launching its enforcement crackdown in September 2025 — more than the entire preceding decade combined.

Key points about compounded GLP-1 regulations:

Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and have not undergone premarket review for safety or efficacy
Compounding is permitted under FDA regulations when a drug is on the shortage list
Companies cannot claim equivalence to Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound
Novo Nordisk has sent legal threats to clinics using "semaglutide" to market compounded versions
As shortages resolve, the FDA may restrict or end compounding of specific GLP-1s

If you use compounded GLP-1 medications, ensure the pharmacy is licensed in your state and discuss risks with your healthcare provider.

Alternatives during shortage

If unavailable...	Consider...	Cost	Switching required?
Wegovy	Zepbound (LillyDirect)	$299–$449/mo	Yes — start at 2.5 mg
Wegovy	Compounded semaglutide (telehealth)	$179–$399/mo	No — same active ingredient
Ozempic	Rybelsus (oral semaglutide)	~$900/mo	Yes — different form
Any injectable	Foundayo (oral orforglipron)	$149/mo	Yes — different drug class
Any GLP-1	Compounded tirzepatide (telehealth)	$249–$449/mo	Yes if switching from semaglutide

Related guides

Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or switching medications. Check the FDA Drug Shortage Database for the most current availability information.

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