The Ozempic Shortage: Where Things Stand in 2026

If you relied on Ozempic for your type 2 diabetes during the 2022–2025 shortage, you know how stressful it was. Pharmacy after pharmacy with no stock, dose rationing, and scrambling for alternatives. It was one of the longest and most impactful drug shortages in recent history.

So where do things stand now? Here's everything patients need to know about Ozempic availability, pricing, and access in 2026.

Is Ozempic Still in Shortage?

No. The FDA officially removed semaglutide injection products — including both Ozempic and Wegovy — from its drug shortage list on February 21, 2025. After nearly three years of supply constraints, Novo Nordisk's expanded manufacturing capacity finally caught up with demand.

This means that in 2026, most patients should be able to fill their Ozempic prescriptions without the long waits and pharmacy hopping that defined the shortage era. However, localized stock issues can still occur — particularly for the 2 mg pen or in areas with high demand.

Why Was Ozempic So Hard to Find?

The Ozempic shortage was driven by a perfect storm of factors:

• Unprecedented demand: Off-label use for weight loss exploded starting in 2022, fueled by celebrity endorsements and social media. Prescriptions for semaglutide products grew exponentially.
• Manufacturing limitations: GLP-1 receptor agonists require complex biological manufacturing. Novo Nordisk invested over $6 billion in production expansion, but new facilities took years to build.
• Compounding complications: During the shortage, the FDA allowed compounding pharmacies to produce semaglutide. When the shortage was resolved, those allowances ended (503A pharmacies by April 22, 2025; 503B facilities by May 22, 2025), creating a transition period.

For a deeper look at the causes, read Why Is Ozempic So Hard to Find?

How Much Does Ozempic Cost in 2026?

Ozempic remains an expensive medication. Here's what you can expect to pay:

• List price (WAC): Approximately $935.77 per month as of January 2026
• Retail cash price without insurance: $800–$1,100 per month depending on pharmacy and dose
• With commercial insurance: Typically $25–$150 per month copay, depending on your plan
• NovoCare Savings Card (insured): As low as $25 per month
• NovoCare self-pay pricing: $349/month for 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, or 1 mg pens; $499/month for the 2 mg pen
• New patient introductory pricing: $199/month for first two months (0.25 mg and 0.5 mg doses)

For a complete breakdown of savings options, see our guide: How to Save Money on Ozempic in 2026.

Are There New Options for Patients in 2026?

The GLP-1 medication landscape continues to evolve rapidly:

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide) by Eli Lilly is widely available and offers a dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism that may provide greater A1C reduction and weight loss than Ozempic.
• Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) provides the same active ingredient as Ozempic in a daily pill form — a good option if you prefer not to inject.
• Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) continues to be available for patients whose primary goal is weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction.

Learn more in our article on alternatives to Ozempic.

How to Find Ozempic in Stock

If you're still having trouble finding Ozempic at your local pharmacy, here's what to do:

1. Check Medfinder: Our real-time tool shows which pharmacies near you have Ozempic in stock right now.
2. Try independent pharmacies: They often have different supply channels than major chains.
3. Ask about backorders: Your pharmacy can place a backorder and notify you when stock arrives.
4. Consider mail-order pharmacy: Many insurance plans offer mail-order options with larger inventories.
5. Fill early: Don't wait until your last dose — refill 2-3 days ahead when your insurance allows.

For more detailed strategies, read How to Find Ozempic in Stock Near You.

Final Thoughts

The Ozempic shortage that frustrated millions of patients is officially over. In 2026, supply has stabilized and most patients can fill their prescriptions. But the medication remains expensive, and localized availability issues can still pop up. Stay proactive: use tools like Medfinder, explore savings programs, and keep an open conversation with your doctor about the best treatment options for you.