Mounjaro Shortage

Mounjaro is a dual-acting medication that has rapidly gained popularity for treating type 2 diabetes and is increasingly used off-label for weight loss. This soaring popularity has led to widespread Mounjaro shortages over the past several years, making it difficult for many patients to maintain consistent access to this treatment. Fortunately, over the past year, supplies and access to Mounjaro have improved, though regional shortages may still exist.

Is there a shortage of Mounjaro? Mounjaro shortage update today

As of early 2026, the shortage of Mounjaro has significantly improved. Mounjaro is a medication that treats type 2 diabetes, though it is sometimes used off-label for weight management. Mounjaro has had intermittent shortages since its approval due to demand outpacing the company's production capacity.

Eli Lilly, the company that manufactures Mounjaro and its weight-loss-approved counterpart Zepbound, has been expanding its ability to produce both medications. Eli Lilly is currently able to supply enough medication to meet demand; there may still be some short-term shortages or delays regionally due to logistics or pharmacy inventory challenges.

Availability of Mounjaro during recent years

In recent years, the availability of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been a topic of discussion among both patients and the medical community. Mounjaro was initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2022 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro is highly effective in controlling blood sugars. Clinical trials have shown reductions in hemoglobin A1c of 1.6-2.3%. The medication affects both the Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). By activating these pathways, Mounjaro increases the amount of insulin produced while decreasing the amount of sugar released by the liver. Mounjaro also decreases the rate at which food empties from the stomach, which improves blood sugars and decreases appetite. Mounjaro has also been shown to decrease weight, with studies showing 15-22.5% weight loss over 72 weeks, though it is not approved for weight loss alone. The combination of improvement in diabetic control and weight loss has resulted in a significant demand for the drug.

The surge in demand from both diabetes and weight management patients using the drug off-label led to shortages of Mounjaro as the manufacturer struggled to match supply to demand. Throughout 2023 and 2024, pharmacies often reported backorders and limited stock for all doses of Mounjaro. The result was that patients faced delays getting the medication or having to try different doses based on which doses they could obtain from the pharmacy. The approval of Zepbound, a version of tirzepatide approved for chronic weight management and sleep apnea, further strained the supply of the drug as Eli Lilly had to manufacture adequate amounts of both medications.

Shortages of other diabetes and weight loss drugs in the GLP-1 receptor agonist classes, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, led to more people seeking Mounjaro as an alternative, which added additional stress on the supply chain.

The manufacturer of Mounjaro, Eli Lilly, responded to shortages by increasing their production and expanding their manufacturing facilities. In October 2024, the FDA officially removed tirzepatide from its shortage list after determining that Eli Lilly could meet national demand for both Mounjaro and Zepbound. This decision was challenged by the Outsourcing Facilities Association, an organization that represents many compounding pharmacies. In December 2024, the FDA reaffirmed the resolution of the shortage.

Reasons for Mounjaro shortages

There are several key reasons for the shortages of Mounjaro seen after its FDA approval.

Increased demand

Mounjaro has gained popularity due to its efficacy for both type 2 diabetes and weight loss. The rapid increase in demand outpaced the initial supply of the medication.

Off-label use

Mounjaro is associated with significant weight loss, which has led to widespread off-label prescribing for obesity and weight management. This led to an expanded user base beyond that initial target population, putting further pressure on the supply chain.

Manufacturing limitations

When Mounjaro was launched, the manufacturing facilities were based on the anticipated demand for type 2 diabetes only. The demand increased more quickly than expected, and the manufacturing facilities struggled to keep up. Mounjaro requires a specialized manufacturing process, which makes scaling production more complex. Expanding production lines takes time, so there is often a lag between spikes in demand and the ability to increase output.

Similar medication shortages

Mounjaro was released shortly after similar medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy. These medications are GLP-1 receptor antagonists and also treat diabetes and promote weight loss. Shortages of these medications led prescribers to switch patients to Mounjaro, further increasing the demand for this drug.

Stockpiling by pharmacies (and patients)

Concerns about ongoing shortages of Mounjaro have led some pharmacies and patients to stockpile the medication, which has created uneven distribution and led to increased problems with availability.

Allocation policies

There have been regulatory attempts to allocate limited supplies of Mounjaro equitably. These efforts have sometimes resulted in an unpredictable availability of the drug at the individual pharmacy level.

Consequences of the Mounjaro shortage

Shortages of any medication, including Mounjaro, can have serious consequences for your health.

Treatment interruptions

When you run into Mounjaro supply issues, it can lead to interruptions in diabetes or weight management regimens (for off-label use). This can lead to increased complications and poorer health outcomes.

Reduced glycemic control

Inconsistent access to Mounjaro can lead to unstable blood sugars and an increased risk of diabetic complications.

Forced medication changes

When faced with Mounjaro back orders, many patients are forced to switch to alternative medications, which may be less effective or have more side effects.

Anxiety and frustration

Uncertainty about medication availability with Mounjaro supply shortages can cause significant stress and concern for patients on Mounjaro. They may be concerned about worsening of their diabetes or regaining weight.

Increased workload on healthcare providers

When Mounjaro is hard to get, healthcare providers and their staff spend significantly more time seeking alternatives and counseling affected patients. This may lead to increased prior authorization burden as well.

Strains on pharmacies

Mounjaro shortages strain pharmacies as well. Pharmacies experience higher demand, more inquiries, and greater logistical challenges in sourcing and distributing limited medication stock.

Rationing and non-adherence

Unreliable supply of Mounjaro can cause some patients to ration their doses or skip injections. This undermines treatment efficacy and the safety of medications.

Shortages of other medications

If Mounjaro is not available, and patients are forced to change medications, that can increase the demand for alternative medications. This leads to shortages of other medications, as has been the case with other GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy.

Reliance on unapproved medications

The ongoing shortages of GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medication such as Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy have led to patients increasingly turning to compounded versions of medications prepared by specialty pharmacies. Compounded medications can address drug shortages, but they often vary in quality, safety, and efficacy when compared to versions of the medications approved by the FDA.

Compounding pharmacies are allowed to sell medications when they are on the FDA shortage list. The reliance on compounded medications often raises concerns about regulatory oversight, health risks, and inconsistent outcomes.

When Mounjaro was removed from the FDA Drug Shortages list, compounding pharmacies were given a limited time to stop producing compounded versions of tirzepatide because the exemption that allowed the compounded version is no longer in effect. This has led to several lawsuits, which are still in progress.

How to track Mounjaro availability

Is Mounjaro still on backorder? The answer to this question can vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. Tracking the availability of Mounjaro is essential for patients who rely on this therapy for their glycemic control and health. Several strategies and resources can help you monitor the supply and improve access to medications such as Mounjaro.

The FDA maintains a Drug Shortages Database. This online resource lists the status of prescription drugs such as Mounjaro. The database can provide information on whether there is a 12.5 Mounjaro shortage, a Mounjaro 10 mg shortage, a 7.5 Mounjaro shortage, or a shortage of another dose. This database will also provide estimated dates for resupply and any updates from the manufacturer.

Eli Lilly, which manufactures Mounjaro, also has supply updates and guidance for navigating shortages available on their website.

Pharmacists are a valuable resource for monitoring Mounjaro shortages. Local pharmacies can often provide information about their current stock and when they expect to restock medications. Some pharmacies offer waitlists and automated notifications when Mounjaro is back in stock. The supply can vary between pharmacies, so you may want to check with multiple providers in the area to improve your chances of finding the medication.

Your healthcare provider may be able to offer alternative dosages or alternative medications when shortages occur. Healthcare providers often have access to pharmaceutical representatives who can provide more insight into Mounjaro availability at the regional and local levels.

Online support groups may offer information about where Mounjaro is available. This information is often anecdotal and may not always be accurate. It is important to verify the information before acting on it.

What to do when Mounjaro is out of stock

When Mounjaro is out of stock, patients can be proactive about maintaining their health.

One of the first steps is talking with a healthcare provider or pharmacist about the shortage and when medications may be available. Your healthcare provider may offer alternative medication options. This may mean switching to another GLP-1 medication or a different class of medication. There may also be options for adjusting dosages or medication regimens.

Do not skip doses of medication or decrease your dose without consulting a healthcare provider. Skipping or rationing medications can compromise your health. The availability of Mounjaro can vary by location and provider, so it may be beneficial to check with other pharmacies, either local or mail-order.

Following drug shortages through credible sources, such as manufacturer updates of the FDA Drug Shortages Database, is another way to ensure that you can access medication as soon as it is available.

Related FAQs

 

What does it mean that tirzepatide is off the shortage list?

When tirzepatide is off the shortage list, it means that the supply of the drug has stabilized enough that the medication is now available through regular distribution channels. This means that patients and healthcare providers should be able to get the medication reliably. This also means that compounding pharmacies are no longer allowed to sell the medication under exemptions that allow these pharmacies to sell drugs that are in short supply.

Is there still a Mounjaro Shortage?

Mounjaro has been removed from the FDA Drug Shortage Database as of October 2024. Intermittent shortages may occur in some areas when demand is high, but the overall supply has improved. Most pharmacies are now able to get consistent shipments of all doses of Mounjaro.

Is Mounjaro on Backorder?

While supplies of Mounjaro have largely improved, it may still be on backorder at some pharmacies due to ongoing high demand. Pharmacies are largely able to restock more regularly, though this varies by region and pharmacy. Overall, there have been fewer backorders in recent years.

Which doses were affected by the Mounjaro shortage in 2024-25?

Higher doses have been most affected by Mounjaro shortages. In 2024, the doses affected were 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg. In 2025, the 12.5 mg and 15 mg doses were most affected by the shortages. The lower doses of Mounjaro were affected at times, but the larger doses were affected more often.

What are the best alternatives to Mounjaro to switch to?

The best alternatives to Mounjaro depend on your unique health factors. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which medication is best for you. Many people may use other GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic or Trulicity for diabetes, or Wegovy for weight loss. Other medications such as Victoza may also be appropriate.

When will Mounjaro be back in stock?

Mounjaro supply has largely improved in 2026, but individual pharmacies may still experience shortages. Restock dates can vary by pharmacy and region. Eli Lilly is continuing to expand production, and it is expected that availability will continue to get more consistent. Patients should check regularly with their pharmacy for local updates.

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Author Bio

Jillian Foglesong Stabile, MD, FAAFP, DABOM is a board-certified family physician. She practices full-scope family medicine in rural Eastern Washington state. Dr. Foglesong Stabile enjoys providing whole-life care ranging from prenatal care to hospice and end-of-life care. Her favorite thing about family medicine is being able to provide multigenerational care to families.

References

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