The Shortage is Over: Ozempic Supply Stabilizes in 2025
After a prolonged period of scarcity that began in 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially announced in February 2025 that the shortage of semaglutide injections, known by brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy, has been resolved [1.2.1, 1.2.4]. Manufacturer Novo Nordisk has substantially invested in expanding manufacturing capacity and has confirmed that the supply is now meeting or exceeding the massive nationwide demand [1.5.4]. While this is positive news for patients with Type 2 diabetes and those prescribed the medication for weight management, it may take time for the supply to be consistently available at every local pharmacy [1.2.1].
What Caused the Widespread Shortage?
The primary driver of the Ozempic shortage was an unprecedented surge in demand [1.4.3]. This was fueled by two main factors:
- FDA-Approved Use: Ozempic is approved to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes and to lower the risk of cardiovascular events in this population [1.4.1].
- Off-Label Prescribing: The medication gained viral attention on social media for its significant weight loss side effect. This led to a massive increase in off-label prescriptions for weight management, straining the supply intended for diabetic patients [1.4.1, 1.4.4].
This spike in demand simply outpaced Novo Nordisk's ability to manufacture the drug, leading the FDA to add Ozempic to its official drug shortage list in 2022 [1.4.1, 1.3.6].
The End of Compounded Semaglutide
During the official shortage, the FDA permitted compounding pharmacies to create their own versions of semaglutide to fill the supply gap [1.2.2, 1.3.3]. These compounded drugs provided an accessible, and often cheaper, alternative for many patients [1.2.6]. However, with the FDA's declaration that the shortage is over, this exception is no longer valid.
The FDA set deadlines in April and May of 2025 for pharmacies and outsourcing facilities to cease the production and sale of compounded semaglutide copies [1.3.6, 1.5.5]. This action is rooted in safety concerns, as compounded drugs do not undergo the same rigorous FDA review for safety, quality, or effectiveness [1.9.1]. The FDA has received reports of adverse events linked to compounded semaglutide, including dosing errors leading to hospitalization and the use of unapproved salt forms of the active ingredient (semaglutide sodium and semaglutide acetate) instead of the base form found in the approved drugs [1.9.1, 1.9.2].
Comparison of Ozempic and Key Alternatives
With supply stabilizing, patients and providers can more reliably consider FDA-approved options. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best medication for your specific health needs. Here’s a comparison of the top GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 agonist medications:
| Feature | Ozempic | Wegovy | Mounjaro / Zepbound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide [1.8.3, 1.8.4] |
| Mechanism | GLP-1 Receptor Agonist | GLP-1 Receptor Agonist | Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist [1.8.3] |
| Primary FDA Use | Type 2 Diabetes [1.8.3] | Chronic Weight Management [1.8.3] | Type 2 Diabetes (Mounjaro), Weight Management (Zepbound) [1.8.4] |
| Administration | Weekly Injection | Weekly Injection | Weekly Injection [1.8.3] |
| Key Difference | Lower max dose than Wegovy. Primarily for diabetes but used off-label for weight loss [1.4.1, 1.8.3]. | Higher max dose of semaglutide, specifically for weight loss [1.8.3]. | Tirzepatide's dual-receptor action has shown greater average weight loss in some studies compared to semaglutide [1.8.1, 1.8.5]. |
What Should Patients Do Now?
For patients who have struggled to fill prescriptions or have been using compounded versions, the landscape has changed. Key steps include:
- Consult Your Doctor: If you were using compounded semaglutide, you will need a new prescription for an FDA-approved product like Ozempic or Wegovy to continue treatment [1.2.1]. Your provider can help you transition safely.
- Check Multiple Pharmacies: While the national supply is stable, individual pharmacy stock can still vary. It's advisable to call different pharmacies to check availability [1.2.1].
- Be Wary of Online Sellers: The end of the official shortage does not mean illicit sellers will disappear. Dangerous counterfeit products may still be sold online [1.6.2]. Only obtain medication from licensed healthcare providers and pharmacies.
Conclusion
The declaration by the FDA in February 2025 marks the official end of the years-long Ozempic shortage [1.2.1]. Increased production by Novo Nordisk has stabilized the supply, providing relief for patients with Type 2 diabetes and those seeking weight management solutions [1.5.4]. This development also closes the chapter on legally permissible compounded semaglutide, shifting the focus back to FDA-approved medications [1.6.2]. Patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to navigate this new environment, ensuring they receive safe, effective, and properly regulated treatment.
For the most current information on drug availability, you can consult the FDA Drug Shortages database.
