Is There a Mounjaro Shortage?

The national shortage of Mounjaro is officially over. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared the tirzepatide supply resolved in December 2024.

This means the manufacturer, Eli Lilly, has confirmed its production can meet projected national demand. However, some pharmacies may still experience temporary delays as supply chains restock.

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially declared the national Mounjaro shortage over in December 2024.
• Despite the end of the nationwide shortage, some pharmacies may still experience temporary local supply gaps and delays.
• The multi-dose vial form of Mounjaro has been discontinued, and the manufacturer now focuses its supply on the single-use KwikPen.
• High demand, especially for certain dosage strengths, continues to be the primary reason for sporadic availability issues.
• If your pharmacy is out of stock, you can call other locations, ask your doctor for help, and should always avoid unapproved compounded versions.

Is There Still a Mounjaro Shortage in 2025?

No, there is no longer a formal nationwide Mounjaro shortage. The FDA made this determination after analyzing data from Eli Lilly, which showed that the company's product availability and manufacturing capacity are sufficient to cover current and projected demand for the diabetes and weight loss medication .

This official resolution came after nearly two years of the drug being listed in short supply. The FDA's decision was based on a review of the manufacturer's inventory levels, cumulative supply data, and its ability to build product reserves.

While the shortage status is resolved at a national level, the FDA acknowledges that patients and prescribers may still encounter intermittent and limited localized supply disruptions. These occur as products move through the complex supply chain from manufacturers and distributors to individual local pharmacies .

Why Some Pharmacies Still Report Local Mounjaro Supply Issues

You might wonder how there can be local supply problems when the national shortage is declared over. The reasons often come down to logistics and high demand.

The medication must travel from the manufacturing facility through distributors to thousands of individual pharmacies across the country. This complex journey can lead to temporary gaps in specific locations, even when the overall national supply is adequate.

High demand for tirzepatide continues to put pressure on the system. Mounjaro (for type 2 diabetes) and its sister drug Zepbound for weight loss remain incredibly popular, which can lead to short term stockouts at some pharmacies when local demand suddenly spikes .

Table: Reasons for Local Mounjaro Supply Gaps

What Happened to the Vial Versions and Is the Mounjaro KwikPen Easier to Find?

If you have been looking for Mounjaro in a multi dose vial, you may have trouble finding it. The available formulations have shifted. According to FDA approval records, Mounjaro is now approved and marketed exclusively as a single dose pen, often called the KwikPen . This suggests that the manufacturer has focused its production efforts on the pen delivery system, which is generally preferred for its ease of use and accuracy.

Patients looking for the medication should expect to receive the KwikPen. This streamlined production likely helps the manufacturer maintain a more efficient and stable supply chain for a single primary delivery system . The pens are available in six different strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg, all in a 0.5 mL solution .

How Demand and Dosage Strength Affect Mounjaro Availability

The incredible popularity of GLP 1 medications like Mounjaro is the main driver behind the supply challenges. These drugs have shown significant effectiveness for both type 2 diabetes management and weight loss, leading to a surge in demand that manufacturing is still working to fully meet. In its first 12 months on the market, monthly usage of Mounjaro increased by over 200% .

Not all doses are equally available. Lower, starter doses (like 2.5 mg or 5 mg) are often prescribed to new patients, which can make them more susceptible to shortages. Meanwhile, higher maintenance doses (like 12.5 mg or 15 mg) can also be affected if more patients progress to these levels. The FDA has noted that even after a shortage is resolved, specific strengths may take longer to become consistently available everywhere .

What Can You Do If Your Pharmacy Has a Mounjaro Backorder?

Finding Mounjaro might require some patience and proactive effort. If your usual pharmacy is out of stock, you are not out of options. Here are practical steps you can take.

Check with Multiple PharmaciesCall different pharmacies in your area, including large chains, local independents, and hospital affiliated pharmacies. A prescription sent to a large chain can often be transferred between its locations if one has the medication in stock.

Use Your Prescriber as a ResourceContact your doctor's office. They often have a good sense of which local pharmacies have been receiving steady supplies and can call in your prescription to a different location. They can also clarify the exact dosage and strength you need, ensuring there is no confusion at the pharmacy.

Ask About AlternativesIn a consultation with your doctor, discuss what to do if Mounjaro is unavailable. They may be able to prescribe a different strength that requires a dosage adjustment, or they can discuss alternative GLP 1 medications, such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or dulaglutide (Trulicity), depending on your medical needs .

Avoid Unapproved SourcesThe FDA has issued strong warnings against turning to compounded or "generic" versions of tirzepatide sold online . With the national shortage over, the legal ability for compounding pharmacies to make copycat versions of Mounjaro has ended . The FDA does not verify the safety or effectiveness of these products and has received hundreds of reports of adverse events, some requiring hospitalization, linked to compounded versions of GLP 1 drugs . Only get your medication from a licensed, U.S. pharmacy that requires a valid prescription.

When Should You Contact Your Doctor About Mounjaro Prescription Problems?

You should reach out to your healthcare provider if you are unable to fill your prescription for more than a week. A persistent delay can disrupt your treatment progress. Your doctor can help you locate the medication, adjust your prescription, or develop a safe plan for managing your condition until the medication is available.

If you experience symptoms like persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of dehydration, contact your doctor immediately. These can be side effects of the medication and, if severe, can lead to kidney problems, especially if you are not staying hydrated . Do not restart the medication after a significant interruption without consulting your provider. They can advise you on whether you need to restart at a lower dose to minimize side effects.