Worried About GLP-1 Shortages? Here's Exactly What To Ask Your Pharmacist

At the end of 2025, President Trump announced agreements made between the U.S. government and pharmaceutical companies to lower the costs of GLP-1s. The goal was to make the drugs (used for diabetes and weight loss management) more accessible. So far, GLP-1s have become more accessible thanks to these agreements as well as the introduction of oral GLP-1s for weight loss.

As the number of people being prescribed a GLP-1 continues to grow, you may be wondering if the supply will run out. If you are currently taking a GLP-1, whether it's for diabetes management or weight loss, you may be concerned that the more people who are prescribed a GLP-1, the harder it will be for you to attain your medication. After all, there have been severe GLP-1 shortages in the past.

Related: This Common GLP-1 Dosing Mistake Can Backfire Fast, Doctors Warn

"According to the Food and Drug Administration, semaglutide and tirzepatide are no longer in shortage as of February 21, 2025. However, dulaglutide and liraglutide are considered in shortage currently," explains Dr. Erika Gray, PharmD, a pharmacist and the founder and chief medical officer of Toolbox Genomics. That means, if you take Trulicity (dulaglutide), Victoza or Saxenda (liraglutide), you could have a hard time getting your prescription this spring.

Even though Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro are not in short supply right now, future shortages aren't off the table. "As GLP-1s become more and more popular and there are additional indications, I think we will see these shortages come and go for the next few years," Dr. Gray says.

How do pharmacies deal with GLP-1 shortages? And more importantly, how should you? Here's everything you need to know.

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How Pharmacies Navigate GLP-1 Shortages

Dr. Taylor Clark, PharmD, a clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Binghamton University, State University of New York, says that pharmacies handle GLP-1 shortages in several different ways.

"If the pharmacy is still able to obtain a limited stock but not enough to meet the demand of their patient population, they may manage a wait list for the medication that tracks all patients waiting for the drug in chronological order," she explains.

Related: We Asked 3 Metabolism Experts What People on GLP-1s Should Never Skip-They All Agreed

If that isn't possible, Dr. Clark suggests the patient transition to an alternative medication. Another way pharmacies navigate shortages, Dr. Gray explains, is by giving partial refills that will hold patients over until additional shipments of the drug come in.

Both pharmacists say that patients with a medical necessity are prioritized during a drug shortage. "For example, GLP-1s are used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes or weight loss. Those with type 2 diabetes who are reliant on this medication for lowering their blood sugars would likely be prioritized," Dr. Gray explains.

Related: The Truth About Over-the-Counter GLP-1 Patches, According to Doctors

Questions To Ask Your Pharmacist and Other Tips for Managing GLP-1 Shortages

It's completely normal to have questions during a GLP-1 shortage, and it's helpful to know what questions pharmacists can and can't answer. Dr. Gray says that some questions you can ask your pharmacist during a GLP-1 shortage are:

• Which GLP-1 medications are in short supply?
• Which GLP-1 medications are not in short supply?
• Will this shortage affect my own access to my GLP-1 medication?
• If my GLP-1 medication is in shortage, can I switch to an alternative?
• Can we use a different strength?

To answer these questions, the pharmacist may have to consult your doctor, but together they can work toward a solution until the medication is back in stock.

Is It Safe To Take a Compounded Medication Instead?

If the type of GLP-1 you take is in short supply, you may be wondering if it's safe to take a compounded medication instead. A compounded medication is a drug created by a pharmacist when a commercial, FDA-approved drug is not suitable for the patient or available. It's important to know that compounded medications are not approved by the FDA.

Dr. Gray warns against taking a compounded GLP-1. "The American Diabetes Association strongly advises against the use of non-FDA-approved compounded GLP-1s because there is uncertainty about their contents and quality. Since the compounded products are not FDA-regulated, their safety and efficacy may not be the same as what is expected with the FDA-approved products," Dr. Clark says.

If you are going to take a compounded GLP-1 during a shortage, Dr. Gray suggests using a 503A or B pharmacy that has certificates of analysis for their products.

Another thing you should not do during a GLP-1 shortage is to lower your dose in an effort to make your medication last longer. If you have had to taper your dose down due to a shortage-which should only be done if your doctor advises it-she says not to jump right back to your original dose when the shortage is over. Instead, work with your doctor to titrate up to your original dose.

When GLP-1 shortages occur, your doctor and pharmacist can answer any questions you have and will work together to manage your care. Drug shortages may be frustrating, but they are temporary. Doctors and pharmacists are trained to know how to bridge the gap during shortages until the supply is steady once again. Instead of troubleshooting on your own, allow them to guide you.

Up Next:

Related: Doctors Warn This 'Cheaper' Ozempic Alternative May Come With Risks

Sources

• Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Announces Major Developments in Bringing Most-Favored Nation Pricing to American Patients. The White House
• GLP-1 RA prescription trends: January 2019 - December 2025. Truveta
• Dr. Erika Gray, PharmD, pharmacist and the founder and chief medical officer of Toolbox Genomics
• Dr. Taylor Clark, PharmD, clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Binghamton University, State University of New York
• Compounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers. Food & Drug Administration
• The American Diabetes Association Announces Statement on Compounded Incretin Compounds. American Diabetes Association

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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 11:25 AM.