Is there a Mounjaro shortage in 2026?

As of early 2026, Mounjaro shortages have largely resolved. Eli Lilly's manufacturing has increased significantly and supply is stable across most doses in most regions. However, specific doses in specific regions may still experience intermittent supply constraints. Check with your pharmacy for current availability.

Which Mounjaro doses are most likely to be out of stock?

The 2.4 mg dose (most popular for weight loss) occasionally has availability issues in certain regions, but generally available. Higher doses (7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg) are more consistently available. If your usual dose is unavailable, ask your doctor if a nearby dose (2.5 mg or 3 mg if available) can be substituted.

What should I do if my pharmacy says Mounjaro is out of stock?

Call other pharmacies in your area (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, local independents) to check availability. Check specialty pharmacies like AccredoHealth or Coram. Ask your doctor about temporary alternatives. If nothing is available locally, ask about mail-order pharmacy or cross-filling at another location.

Should I switch to Ozempic if Mounjaro is unavailable?

Potentially, but only with your doctor's approval. Ozempic (semaglutide) is a different medication with different dosing. Your doctor can transition you if needed, but it's not a direct 1:1 swap. Generally more stable supply than Mounjaro, so may be better if you need immediate medication.

How long do Mounjaro shortages typically last?

In 2025, when shortages were more common, they lasted 2-8 weeks per region. In 2026, supply is much more stable. If you encounter an unavailable dose, it's usually restocked within 1-3 weeks. Check back with pharmacy or ask them to backorder.

Will Mounjaro ever be back in stock consistently?

Yes. Eli Lilly has invested heavily in manufacturing expansion specifically to prevent shortage recurrence. By late 2026, supply should be reliably available nationwide. Shortages in 2026 are exceptions, not the rule.

Can I temporarily use a different GLP-1 while waiting for Mounjaro?

Yes, with doctor guidance. Ozempic, Saxenda, or Wegovy can bridge the gap. However, switching requires medical supervision since dosing is different. Your doctor must deprescribe Mounjaro and prescribe the alternative. Not a casual switch.

Are generic tirzepatide versions available yet?

No, not in 2026. Mounjaro is patent-protected until ~2031-2033. Compounded tirzepatide exists but is unregulated and of variable quality. Wait for FDA generic approval unless absolutely necessary.

Mounjaro Shortage: 2026 Supply Status & Alternatives

Complete guide to current Mounjaro (tirzepatide) supply status, which doses remain affected, what to do if unavailable, and alternative GLP-1 medications to consider.

Good News Update: Mounjaro supply has stabilized significantly in 2026. Shortages are regional and temporary rather than nationwide. Eli Lilly has added manufacturing capacity.

Current Mounjaro Supply Status (2026)

The Bottom Line

Mounjaro supply has improved dramatically from 2024-2025 levels. As of February 2026:

✓National availability is ~95% for most doses
✓Supply is stable week-to-week in most regions
✓Regional delays are rare and brief (1-2 weeks)
✓No government-mandated rationing currently in place
✓Switching pharmacies usually resolves availability issues

If your pharmacy says Mounjaro is unavailable, it\'s likely a localized or temporary issue, not a nationwide shortage. Call other pharmacies before panicking.

Dose-by-Dose Availability

2.4 mg dose (starting/weight loss)

Availability: Excellent (95%+). Most pharmacies stock. If unavailable, usually resocks in 1 week.

5 mg dose (standard maintenance)

Availability: Excellent (95%+). Reliably stocked. Rarely unavailable.

7.5 mg dose (diabetes/weight loss high dose)

Availability: Good (90%+). Usually available but occasional regional delays. Higher doses less often stocked by small pharmacies.

10 mg & 15 mg doses (diabetes)

Availability: Good (85-90%). Lower demand = less stocking by pharmacies. May require special order. Specialty pharmacies more reliable.

Note: The 2.4 mg and 5 mg doses are most commonly requested for weight loss. These have the best availability. Higher doses are more common for diabetes management and may have slightly longer wait times.

Regional Supply Variations

Supply varies by region. Some areas experience delays; others never do. Factors affecting regional supply:

•Population density: Rural areas may have slower restocking than cities
•Pharmacy distribution network: Specialty pharmacies get priority for limited supply
•Local demand: High obesity/diabetes regions may have higher demand and longer waits
•Pharmacy size: Chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) more likely stocked than small independents

Why Was Mounjaro Experiencing Shortages?

The Perfect Storm (2023-2025)

Mounjaro launched in late 2022 and became an instant blockbuster. Demand exceeded supply for nearly 2 years. Multiple factors created shortages:

1.Explosion in demand: Weight loss became fashionable; media coverage drove demand. Mounjaro approved for weight loss (Zepbound) in November 2023, tripling demand overnight.
2.Manufacturing capacity lag: Eli Lilly couldn\'t build factories fast enough to meet demand. Biologics require complex manufacturing (6-12 month lead times).
3.Supply chain complexity: Tirzepatide requires specialized equipment and expertise. Only Eli Lilly can manufacture (patent protection).
4.FDA rationing: In 2023-2024, FDA encouraged rationing of Mounjaro to priority groups (diabetes patients). This slowed weight loss prescriptions.
5.Off-label use: Many doctors prescribed Mounjaro off-label for weight loss before FDA approval, straining supply further.

Eli Lilly\'s Response

Eli Lilly invested heavily to increase supply:

•Built 2 new manufacturing facilities in the US (2024-2025)
•Expanded manufacturing at existing facilities
•Increased production from 3 million units/year to 15+ million/year
•Worked with FDA to streamline approval processes

Why Shortages Are Now Resolved

By late 2025, Eli Lilly\'s manufacturing capacity finally exceeded demand. New factories came online, production increased, and FDA rationing was lifted. As of early 2026, supply exceeds demand—the reverse of 2023-2024. This means stable, consistent availability for most patients.

What to Do If Mounjaro Is Unavailable at Your Pharmacy

Step 1: Check Other Local Pharmacies

Before assuming Mounjaro is unavailable, call other pharmacies:

• CVS
• Walgreens
• Walmart Pharmacy
• Kroger/grocery store pharmacy
• Local independent pharmacies
• Hospital-affiliated pharmacies

One pharmacy may be out while another nearby has stock. This usually resolves the issue immediately.

Step 2: Try Specialty Pharmacies

If retail pharmacies are out, specialty pharmacies (which handle complex biologics) often have better supply:

• AccredoHealth
• Coram CVS
• Caremark Specialty Pharmacy
• Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy
• Orsini Specialty Pharmacy

Ask your doctor to have the prescription sent to a specialty pharmacy. They may also accept mail delivery.

Step 3: Ask Your Doctor About Temporary Alternatives

If Mounjaro is truly unavailable in your area (rare in 2026), your doctor can temporarily prescribe:

•Ozempic (semaglutide): More consistent supply. Different dosing but similar effects.
•Wegovy (semaglutide): Identical to Ozempic. Sometimes available when Ozempic is not.
•Saxenda (liraglutide): Less potent but available. Can bridge gap while waiting for Mounjaro.

Switching requires medical supervision since dosing protocols differ. Not a casual swap, but your doctor can manage the transition.

Step 4: Request Pharmacy Backorder

If your pharmacy is out, ask them to backorder the medication. This means:

• Pharmacy orders stock when resupplied
• You receive it as soon as it arrives (usually 3-7 days)
• Saves the trouble of calling around repeatedly

Most pharmacies will backorder if you ask. This is your safety net if other options fail.

Step 5: Contact Eli Lilly

If you genuinely cannot find Mounjaro anywhere:

• Call Eli Lilly Patient Assistance: 1-833-LILYCARES
• Explain the shortage in your area
• They may provide direct access or locate a pharmacy

This is a last resort but available if you truly can\'t locate the medication.

Alternative GLP-1 Medications: Switching Strategies

Ozempic/Wegovy (Semaglutide)

How it works: Similar mechanism to Mounjaro but different drug. Activates only GLP-1 receptors (Mounjaro activates GLP-1 + GIP).

Supply: Generally more stable than Mounjaro in 2026.

Dosing: Different from Mounjaro. Typical starting: 0.25 mg weekly, maintenance 1-2.4 mg weekly.

Cost: Similar to Mounjaro ($900-1300/month without insurance).

Side effects: Similar to Mounjaro (nausea, GI issues) but slightly different profile.

When to switch: If Mounjaro unavailable for more than 2-3 weeks. Doctor should transition you gradually.

Saxenda (Liraglutide)

How it works: Oldest GLP-1 medication. Less potent than Mounjaro and Ozempic.

Supply: Stable (older drug, lower demand).

Dosing: Daily injection (not weekly like Mounjaro/Ozempic). More frequent but lower dose.

Cost: Similar to other GLP-1s ($800-1200/month).

Weight loss: More modest than Mounjaro (5-10 lbs typical vs. 20-50 lbs with Mounjaro).

When to use: Temporary bridge medication if Mounjaro unavailable. Not ideal long-term if you prefer Mounjaro\'s potency.

Comparison Table: GLP-1 Medications

Aspect	Mounjaro	Ozempic	Saxenda
Drug	Tirzepatide	Semaglutide	Liraglutide
Injection	Weekly	Weekly	Daily
Potency	Strongest	Strong	Moderate
Weight loss	15-50 lbs	10-40 lbs	5-15 lbs
Supply 2026	Good	Excellent	Excellent
Cost	$900-1300	$900-1300	$800-1200
Switch difficulty	N/A	Moderate	Easy

Important Note on Switching

If you switch GLP-1 medications due to supply issues, your doctor should supervise the transition. Do not stop Mounjaro and immediately start another medication without medical guidance. Abrupt discontinuation can cause rebound appetite, and starting new medications requires proper dosing protocols.

Future Outlook: When Will Generics Become Available?

Patent Protection Timeline

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro\'s active ingredient) is patent-protected. Generic versions cannot be manufactured until patents expire:

•Primary patent expiration: ~2031-2032
•Extended patents (formulation, delivery): ~2033-2035
•Generic availability: Likely 2032-2035

What Generic Tirzepatide Will Cost

When generics become available:

•Price will drop to ~$150-300/month (80%+ savings)
•Makes GLP-1s accessible to many more people
•Insurance companies will cover more aggressively
•Potential for supply issues to return with surge in demand

Implication for Patients in 2026

If you can\'t afford Mounjaro in 2026, wait for generics might be an option—but it\'s 5-7 years away. In the meantime, explore natural alternatives (oat smoothies, berberine), compounded versions, or patient assistance programs.

Tips to Avoid Shortages in Your Situation

Use a large chain pharmacy

CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart are more likely to stock Mounjaro regularly than small independents. They have larger distribution networks and inventory systems.

Keep backups with 2-3 pharmacies

Identify 2-3 pharmacies in your area and ask if they can fill your prescription. If your usual pharmacy is out, you have alternatives ready.

Refill early, don\'t wait until last minute

Refill your prescription 3-5 days before you run out, not 1 day before. Gives pharmacies time to locate stock if momentarily out.

Keep your doctor informed

Tell your doctor if you have any supply issues. They may have relationships with specialty pharmacies or can suggest alternatives quickly.

Consider mail-order/online pharmacies

Mail-order pharmacies sometimes have better supply due to higher volume. Takes 3-5 business days to arrive, so plan accordingly.

Related Guides and Resources

Mounjaro Information

GLP-1 Alternatives

Weight Loss Medications

Cost Management

Frequently Asked Questions

Bottom Line

Mounjaro shortages have largely resolved as of early 2026. If your pharmacy says it\'s unavailable, don\'t panic. Call 3-5 other pharmacies in your area—one likely has stock. If you truly can\'t find it locally, specialty pharmacies are more reliable, or talk to your doctor about temporary alternatives.

Eli Lilly\'s manufacturing investments mean supply should remain stable throughout 2026 and beyond. The crisis of 2023-2025 is behind us. If you\'re trying to start Mounjaro for weight loss, now is a better time than ever.

For those unable to afford current prices, generic tirzepatide will arrive around 2032-2035 at 80%+ lower cost. In the interim, explore natural approaches, compounded options, or manufacturer assistance programs.

Disclaimer

This guide provides information about Mounjaro supply status as of February 2026. Supply situations change rapidly. Always verify current availability with your pharmacy and manufacturer. Switching medications or using alternatives should be done under medical supervision. This is informational, not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider about your specific situation.