The Liraglutide Shortage: Where Things Stand in 2026

If you rely on Liraglutide for type 2 diabetes or weight management, you’ve likely felt the impact of the ongoing supply challenges with GLP-1 medications. The shortage that began affecting the broader GLP-1 class in 2022–2023 eventually hit Liraglutide products directly, and patients have been dealing with inconsistent availability ever since.

In this update, we’ll cover the current status of the Liraglutide shortage, what’s changed, what it costs in 2026, and — most importantly — how you can find it.

Is Liraglutide Still in Shortage?

The short answer: it depends on which version you’re looking for.

• Brand-name Victoza remains on shortage status. Novo Nordisk has reported ongoing manufacturing delays, and the FDA and ASHP both list Victoza as having limited supply. Some pharmacies may have stock intermittently, but availability is inconsistent.
• Brand-name Saxenda is generally available. While there have been occasional spot shortages, Saxenda has been easier to find than Victoza throughout 2025 and into 2026.
• Generic Liraglutide is available and improving. Meitheal Pharmaceuticals launched the first generic Liraglutide in April 2025, followed by Teva. Generic supply is still scaling up, but these options have significantly improved access for patients.

Why Is Liraglutide Hard to Find?

Several factors have contributed to the Liraglutide shortage:

Manufacturing Challenges

Novo Nordisk has experienced production delays at its manufacturing facilities that have limited the supply of brand-name Victoza. Injectable biologic medications like Liraglutide are complex to produce, and scaling up manufacturing takes time even when demand is clear.

Unprecedented Demand for GLP-1 Medications

The entire GLP-1 drug class has seen explosive growth in demand since 2022. Originally developed primarily for diabetes, GLP-1 medications gained massive popularity for weight loss after drugs like Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) showed dramatic weight loss results. This surge in demand strained supply chains across the entire class, including Liraglutide.

Generic Production Ramp-Up

While generic Liraglutide is now available, manufacturers like Meitheal and Teva are still scaling their production to meet full demand. Injectable generics are harder to produce than pill generics, so the ramp-up period is longer.

Insurance Formulary Shifts

As generics have entered the market, some insurance plans have shifted their formularies, creating temporary disruptions as pharmacies adjust their stocking patterns to match what patients’ insurance now prefers.

For a deeper dive into these supply issues, read why Liraglutide is so hard to find in 2026.

How Much Does Liraglutide Cost in 2026?

The cost of Liraglutide varies significantly depending on the version and whether you have insurance:

• Brand-name Victoza: $1,000–$1,400 per month without insurance
• Brand-name Saxenda: approximately $1,300–$1,400 per month without insurance
• Generic Liraglutide: $230–$500 per month without insurance, depending on dose and pharmacy

With insurance, your out-of-pocket cost can drop significantly. Many commercially insured patients pay $25–$150 per month with coverage. Novo Nordisk’s NovoCare savings card can reduce the cost of brand-name Victoza or Saxenda to as low as $25 per month for eligible patients. Teva’s savings program offers generic Liraglutide for as low as $20 per prescription.

For the full breakdown on saving money, check out our guide on how to save money on Liraglutide in 2026.

New Options for Liraglutide Patients

The landscape has changed significantly since the shortage began. Here’s what’s new:

Generic Liraglutide Is Here

This is the biggest development. Liraglutide became the first GLP-1 receptor agonist to have a generic equivalent for both diabetes and obesity indications. Generic versions are FDA-approved and bioequivalent to the brand, meaning they work the same way. They’re also significantly cheaper, making Liraglutide the most affordable GLP-1 option on the market.

More Pharmacies Are Stocking Generics

As generic production ramps up, more pharmacies — including chains and independents — are adding generic Liraglutide to their formularies. This is gradually improving availability across the country.

Alternative GLP-1 Medications

If you’ve been unable to find Liraglutide, other GLP-1 medications may be available. Options include Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), Dulaglutide (Trulicity), Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), and Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon). Learn more about alternatives to Liraglutide.

How to Find Liraglutide in Stock Right Now

Here are the most effective strategies for finding Liraglutide:

1. Use Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability near your zip code
2. Ask about all versions — brand Victoza, brand Saxenda, and generic Liraglutide from Teva or Meitheal
3. Check independent pharmacies — they often have stock when chains don’t
4. Call early in the week — pharmacies receive shipments Monday through Wednesday
5. Request early refills — don’t wait until you’re on your last pen

For detailed tips, read our full guide on how to find Liraglutide in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Liraglutide shortage has been a challenging chapter for patients who depend on this medication. But the situation is improving. Generic Liraglutide has expanded access, more pharmacies are stocking it, and tools like Medfinder make it easier than ever to find pharmacies with stock near you.

If you’re having trouble finding Liraglutide, don’t give up. Check availability online, talk to your doctor about all your options, and stay proactive with your refills. Your health is worth the effort.

Need help finding a doctor who prescribes Liraglutide? Read our guide on how to find a doctor who can prescribe Liraglutide near you.