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There is a national shortage of multiple GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist therapies that are approved for the use of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Shortages are impacting all UVA pharmacies, local pharmacies, and mail-order pharmacies.

Impacted agents include:

• Semaglutide (Ozempic®) – all strengths
• Semaglutide (Wegovy®) – 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg pens
• Dulaglutide (Trulicity®) – 3 mg and 4.5 mg pens
• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) – all strengths

What is driving the shortage?

In June 2021 semaglutide (Wegovy®) was approved for the treatment of obesity, triggering an immediate and significant increase in demand for this product. Supply chain issues quickly followed and have continued to worsen. Wegovy® shortages led to increased prescribing of semaglutide (Ozempic®), approved for type 2 diabetes, as off-label for obesity. The downstream impact has now created a shortage of Ozempic® and subsequent shortages of other GLP-1 RAs including dulaglutide (Trulicity®). In addition, the GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) was approved for type 2 diabetes earlier this year. Subsequent data has shown efficacy for obesity, so tirzepatide has been frequently used off-label for treatment of obesity, resulting in a national shortage of this therapy, as well.

When will shortages be resolved?

This is a complex and longstanding issue that has worsened over the last several months and is expected to take several more months for resolution. UVA Pharmacy will provide updates as they become available. 

How should providers manage through the shortage?

Please keep this shortage in mind for existing patients that are on these therapies and when initiating GLP-1 receptor agonist medications for your patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Patients may experience disruption of therapy if pharmacies are unable to provide the prescribed medication. During this shortage, consider alternative therapies, as clinically appropriate. Impacted agents may evolve throughout the shortage and again, UVA Pharmacy will provide updates as needed.