The Current State of Zepbound Supply
As of September 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirms that the national shortage of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro, has been resolved. This status was first announced in October 2024 and upheld after a review in December 2024. This resolution followed a period of intense demand that outstripped manufacturing capacity, leading to widespread shortages throughout 2024.
For patients, this means that from a national perspective, there is no official backorder for Zepbound. The manufacturer, Eli Lilly, has ramped up production significantly to meet the unprecedented demand for its GLP-1 medications. However, the reality on the ground can be more complex, as some patients report continued difficulty in reliably obtaining their prescriptions at certain pharmacy locations.
Why Supply Is Resolved Nationally but Can Still Be Difficult Locally
Several factors contribute to the ongoing, albeit unofficial, localized issues that make it seem as though is Zepbound on backorder again.
- Immense and Sustained Demand: The popularity of Zepbound for weight management and its sister drug, Mounjaro, for type 2 diabetes has continued to grow. While Lilly has expanded manufacturing, the surge in new patients can still temporarily overwhelm the supply chain, causing specific doses to be out of stock at particular pharmacies.
- End of Compounded Alternatives: During the official shortage, compounding pharmacies legally filled a gap by creating versions of tirzepatide. With the shortage resolved, the FDA's enforcement against this practice resumed, redirecting many patients who previously relied on these compounded versions back to the branded product. This influx of new demand puts additional pressure on the official supply chain.
- Pharmacy-Specific Stocking Issues: The logistics of supplying a refrigerated, high-demand medication are complex. Even if national supply levels are adequate, individual pharmacies may experience delays in receiving shipments or may make business decisions about how much stock to carry, which can create a perception of a persistent backorder.
- Insurance Coverage and Access: Changing insurance formularies and coverage policies can affect patient access, which in turn impacts demand dynamics across different parts of the country.
Strategies for Navigating Localized Supply Issues
If you find your local pharmacy is out of stock, here are some actionable steps you can take:
- Call Ahead: Before traveling to the pharmacy, call to confirm the availability of your specific Zepbound dosage. Asking if they can order it for you is also a good step.
- Check Different Pharmacies: Don't rely on just one location. Different pharmacies, including smaller, independent ones, may have different inventory levels. Remember to check if they have your specific dosage.
- Try Online Pharmacies: Reputable online pharmacies, including Lilly's own LillyDirect Pharmacy Solutions, may offer mail-order services that can be more reliable than local storefronts.
- Request a Longer Supply: If possible, ask your prescriber for a three-month prescription. This can help you get ahead of potential delays and gives the pharmacy more time to secure the medication.
- Communicate with Your Provider: If you are consistently unable to fill your prescription, your healthcare provider can help navigate the issue or discuss potential alternative treatment options.
Zepbound Supply During vs. After Official Shortage
| Feature | During Official Shortage (2024) | After Official Shortage (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | On drug shortage list for multiple doses. | Removed from shortage list for all doses since December 2024. |
| Supply Level | Intermittent and unreliable, driven by unprecedented demand. | National supply is resolved, but local variances persist due to high demand. |
| Compounded Versions | Compounding pharmacies legally produced tirzepatide during the shortage. | Compounding is restricted by the FDA, increasing demand for branded Zepbound. |
| Manufacturer Response | Ramping up production and investing billions in capacity expansion. | Production ramp-up is in full swing, with supply channels working to meet demand. |
| Patient Experience | Significant frustration and difficulty in finding and filling prescriptions. | Still requires diligence and proactive checking, though generally easier than 2024. |
Conclusion
For patients wondering if Zepbound is on backorder again, the answer is complex but mostly reassuring. The official, nationwide shortage is over, thanks to increased manufacturing by Eli Lilly. However, the immense and sustained demand for Zepbound means that patients might still experience temporary, localized supply disruptions at their specific pharmacy. By being proactive and using the strategies outlined above, patients can effectively navigate these challenges and secure their medication. Open communication with both your pharmacy and healthcare provider is key to ensuring continuous treatment.
For more information on the manufacturer's official supply status, you can visit Lilly's supply information page.
