Key takeaways

  • Mounjaro, a medication prescribed for blood sugar management in type 2 diabetes and sometimes used off-label for weight loss, is often in high demand.
  • To check Mounjaro availability, consult the FDA updates for tirzepatide (the active ingredient) and inquire with local pharmacies, keeping in mind that temporary delays can still occur even when the drug is generally available.
  • If Mounjaro is unavailable, discuss alternative treatment options like switching to Ozempic with a healthcare professional, and avoid compounded versions of the medication due to potential safety and quality concerns.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a popular brand-name medication that is prescribed to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that triggers the release of insulin to regulate blood sugar. It also reduces feelings of hunger and boosts fullness by slowing down digestion.

This can lead to weight loss, which doctors often prescribe this drug off-label to assist with. (With off-label use, a drug is prescribed to treat a condition other than those it’s approved for.)

As a result of its effectiveness in managing blood sugar and aiding weight loss, Mounjaro is in high demand. At times, Eli Lilly (the manufacturer of Mounjaro) may have difficulty keeping up with this demand for Mounjaro, and there may be temporary shortages of the drug. This means you may experience delays in receiving your medication.

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Eli Lilly regularly updates the FDA on expected Mounjaro shortages. You can find these updates here. (To search for possible shortages of Mounjaro, search for the active ingredient of Mounjaro, which is tirzepatide.)

Regional and local availability for Mounjaro dose pens can vary. Check with your local pharmacy or healthcare professional for the most up-to-date information in your area.

Remember, certain pharmacies may still experience short-term delays in receiving Mounjaro doses even if they’re available. This can happen for different reasons, but situations like this typically resolve quickly.

If your local pharmacy or healthcare professional doesn’t have access to Mounjaro stock, there are some steps you can take, such as:

  • trying a different local pharmacy or certain telehealth platforms
  • checking back with local pharmacies in 2 to 10 days
  • asking a pharmacy or healthcare professional to order your dose
  • checking ahead with local pharmacies about availability before you need your next prescription

If you have difficulty accessing Mounjaro, talk with the healthcare professional managing your treatment plan.

Can I switch from Mounjaro to Ozempic?

Both Mounjaro and Ozempic work in a similar way, which makes it possible to switch from one to the other.

Ozempic reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke. So for some people, Ozempic may provide greater benefits than Mounjaro.

This switching can be a solution to a drug shortage, but you’ll need to talk with a healthcare professional first.

Warnings against compounded versions of Mounjaro, Ozempic, etc.

While it may be tempting, it’s important to avoid compounded medication alternatives to fill your prescriptions.

Compounding medications involves combining, mixing, or altering ingredients to create a drug. These drugs are not FDA-approved. People who can make compounded medications include:

  • licensed pharmacists
  • licensed doctors
  • people working under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional

Compounded medications don’t provide the safety, effectiveness, and quality assurance of FDA-approved drugs. But there are laws and policies in place to protect consumers taking compounded medications.

While safe if purchased from reputable pharmacies, drugs compounded in unsanitary conditions can cause potentially serious health problems.

Mounjaro is a popular prescription medication used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It can also be prescribed off-label to help you lose weight.

Due to the high demand for this drug, there may be shortages of certain doses of Mounjaro from time to time.

If your local pharmacy or healthcare professional doesn’t have access to the dose you need, try different pharmacies in your area. If you can’t get your Mounjaro prescription filled as needed, talk with a healthcare professional about other treatment options, such as Ozempic.

Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.