GLP-1 Availability for Weight Loss
The shortage of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® and Wegovy® is expected to be fully resolved by April 22, 2025. As we approach this transition, we know you may have many questions about availability, substitutions, cost, insurance coverage, and more.
To help you navigate these changes, we’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the post-shortage landscape for GLP-1 medications.
Availability & Supply Chain
When will the Ozempic® and Wegovy® shortages officially end?
The FDA has removed the designation of shortages for Ozempic, but there is a 60-day grace period that compounding pharmacies can continue making it until April 22, 2025. After that, only non-manufactured, custom dosing can be compounded.
Will all dosage strengths of Ozempic® and Wegovy® be available immediately after the shortage ends?
All strengths will be available from the manufacturer as the shortage has ended, but after April 22, 2025, compounding pharmacies will be only able to make custom doses.
Will there be future supply challenges for these medications?
There may be more shortages if compounding pharmacies that have been filling the shortage gap have to stop producing it. This may overload the manufacturer and the shortage could be re-designated.
How can I ensure I get my prescription filled without delays?
Call the doctors office or pharmacy ahead of time before your vial runs out to check their supply.
Are there any restrictions on refills due to past shortages?
There are no restrictions on refills for Ozempic that I am aware.
Medication Substitutions & Alternatives
Is Ozempic® an acceptable substitute for Wegovy® for weight loss?
Ozempic was approved by the FDA for the treatment of Diabetes and Wegovy was approved for weight loss. The active ingredient is the same but in some cases the dosage may be different.
Are compounded semaglutide products safe and effective?
Compounded semaglutide can be safe. I recommend that your doctor uses a pharmacy that has LegitScript certification or is inspected and approved by NABP and/or the Department of Health.
What should I look for to avoid counterfeit or “knock-off” semaglutide?
I would avoid web sites that are willing to ship Ozempic to you without a physician consultation, or if the label says, “for research only” or “not for human consumption”. Having a weight loss physician involved in your care is important in case side effects occur.
If my preferred brand is still unavailable, what alternatives should I consider?
See a weight loss physician to get a list of all the alternative medications used for effective weight loss.
How do I transition between different GLP-1 medications safely?
Consult a weight loss physician to transition GLP-1 medications to avoid potential side effects that come up during dosage changes.
Dosing & Customization
What is the correct starting dose for semaglutide?
The manufacturer recommends starting at 0.25mg dose weekly for the first 4 weeks.
Can my dose be customized based on my weight loss progress?
Yes, custom dosing can be prescribed by your weight loss physician depending on how you respond to the medication.
If I’ve been off semaglutide due to the shortage, how should I restart it?
See your weight loss physician for a consultation as the starting dose may change.
Can I increase my dose faster if I’m not seeing results?
The dose can be advanced faster at the discretion of your doctor if you are not seeing results and you aren’t getting side effects.
Safety & Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Wegovy® and Ozempic®?
Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common on Wegovy or Ozempic. They are minimal if the dose is started low and increases slowly. Nausea can occur but is easily treated.
Are there any long-term risks of taking GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 medications are relatively new, so long-term risks have not been seen at this time. There is some instances of gall bladder stones or inflammation of the glands around the stomach and small intestine.
How can I manage nausea, vomiting, or digestive side effects?
Side effects are managed by going up slowly on the dose or reducing the dose if it starts to cause nausea. Vomiting is avoided by eating smaller meals and grazing and avoiding spicy foods.
What should I do if I experience severe stomach pain or unusual side effects?
Severe stomach pain could be from paralysis of the stomach or intestines, and you should call your doctor or 911.
Cost & Insurance Coverage
How will the end of the shortage affect the cost of these medications?
Pricing dynamics may change post-shortage. For example, Eli Lilly recently reduced the price of Zepbound® due to increased competition.
The prices from the manufacturer are unknown as Zepbound comes off the shortage list, but the cost from the compounding pharmacies should stay relatively stable.
Will insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications improve after the shortage?
Insurance coverage varies by provider. Patients should check with their insurance companies to understand coverage specifics.
Are there patient assistance programs for GLP-1 medications?
I am unaware of any patient assistance programs for GLP-1 medications.
What should I do if my insurance denies coverage for semaglutide?
See a local weight loss physician about less expensive alternatives or compounded generic semaglutide.
Regulatory & Future Developments
What measures are in place to protect consumers from counterfeit semaglutide products?
LegitScript and NAPB are inspection/accreditation entities that can help protect consumers. Ask your doctor if he/she is using an accredited pharmacy.
What should I know about compounded versions of semaglutide?
During the shortage, some compounding pharmacies produced semaglutide formulations. However, with the shortage resolved, the FDA expects these compounded versions to be phased out, as they are not FDA-approved and may pose safety risks.
Are there any new GLP-1 medications coming to the market soon?
With the popularity of GLP-1 medications, many more similar medications are likely to be released and some of the original GLP-1 medications will come off patent restrictions. Liraglutide, or Victoza, has come off patent in June of 2024 but requires a daily injection instead of weekly.
How do recent regulatory changes affect my ability to get semaglutide?
The manufactures doses will only be produced by the manufacturer and may be in shortage, but compounded custom doses may continue even after the regulatory changes.