Is Saxenda Still in Shortage in 2026?

If you've been trying to fill a Saxenda prescription, you've probably wondered whether the shortage is finally over. The short answer: it's complicated.

As of early 2026, brand-name Saxenda is generally available according to ASHP (the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists). However, intermittent supply issues still pop up at individual pharmacies. You might get lucky at one pharmacy and strike out at another across town.

The situation is much better than it was in 2023 and 2024, when GLP-1 medications were almost impossible to find. But "generally available" doesn't always mean "easy to get." Let's break down what's really going on.

Why Has Saxenda Been So Hard to Find?

The Saxenda shortage didn't happen in a vacuum. It's part of a much larger story about GLP-1 medications and weight loss.

Here's what drove the shortage:

• Exploding demand. Starting in 2022–2023, demand for GLP-1 weight loss drugs surged as medications like Ozempic and Wegovy gained mainstream attention. Saxenda got swept up in the wave.
• Manufacturing constraints. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Saxenda, Wegovy, and Ozempic, couldn't scale production fast enough to meet demand across all three products.
• Global impact. The shortage affected at least 12 countries, not just the United States.
• Victoza complications. Victoza, which uses the same active ingredient (Liraglutide) at a lower dose for type 2 diabetes, remains on shortage due to Novo Nordisk manufacturing delays. This has added pressure to the Liraglutide supply chain.

For the full backstory, see our in-depth guide: Why is Saxenda so hard to find?

What Does Saxenda Cost in 2026?

Cost remains one of the biggest barriers to getting Saxenda, even when it's in stock. Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Brand-name Saxenda: $1,300 to $1,800 per month for a box of 5 pens (a 30-day supply at the full 3 mg dose).
• Generic Liraglutide (Teva): Approximately $1,165 per month at wholesale acquisition cost.
• With the NovoCare Savings Card: As low as $25 per month for eligible patients with commercial insurance.
• Without insurance: You'll pay full cash price unless you qualify for a patient assistance program.

Insurance coverage varies widely. Many plans require prior authorization, and some exclude weight loss medications entirely. Medicare Part D does not cover Saxenda for weight loss. Medicaid coverage varies by state.

For detailed savings strategies, check out our guide on how to save money on Saxenda in 2026.

New Options: Generic Liraglutide Is Here

One of the biggest developments in the Saxenda landscape is the arrival of generic alternatives:

• Teva Pharmaceuticals launched a generic Liraglutide injection in August 2025. It's the same active ingredient as Saxenda in the same pre-filled pen format.
• Meitheal Pharmaceuticals launched a Liraglutide injection in April 2025, further adding to supply.
• Additional generic manufacturers are expected to enter the market after February 24, 2026, which should increase supply and put downward pressure on prices.

Generic Liraglutide is clinically equivalent to brand-name Saxenda. If your pharmacy doesn't have brand-name Saxenda, ask whether they carry the Teva or Meitheal generic instead.

How to Find Saxenda in Stock Right Now

If you're having trouble finding Saxenda at your usual pharmacy, here are some practical steps:

1. Call multiple pharmacies. Stock levels vary from store to store. Try independent pharmacies in addition to chains—they sometimes have better access to certain medications.
2. Ask about generic Liraglutide. Your pharmacy may have the generic version even if brand-name Saxenda is out of stock. Make sure your prescription allows for generic substitution.
3. Use MedFinder. MedFinder helps you check which pharmacies have Saxenda or generic Liraglutide in stock near you.
4. Try mail-order pharmacies. Some mail-order and specialty pharmacies maintain larger inventories and may have stock when local pharmacies don't.
5. Talk to your doctor. Your prescriber may know which pharmacies in your area currently have supply, or they can help you switch to an alternative if needed.

For a complete walkthrough, see our guide on how to find Saxenda in stock near you.

Should You Consider an Alternative?

If you've been waiting weeks to fill your Saxenda prescription, it might be worth exploring other FDA-approved weight loss medications. Options include:

• Wegovy (Semaglutide): A once-weekly GLP-1 injection with about 15% average weight loss.
• Zepbound (Tirzepatide): A once-weekly dual GIP/GLP-1 injection with over 20% average weight loss.
• Contrave and Qsymia: Oral medications that don't face the same supply issues as injectables.

We cover all of these in detail in our post on alternatives to Saxenda.

What to Expect Going Forward

The outlook for Saxenda availability in 2026 is cautiously optimistic:

• More generics are coming. Additional manufacturers are expected to launch after February 2026, which should improve both supply and pricing.
• Manufacturing is catching up. Novo Nordisk has been investing heavily in production capacity for its GLP-1 medications.
• Demand is stabilizing. As more weight loss options enter the market (including oral GLP-1s in development), demand pressure on any single medication should ease.

That said, intermittent shortages at individual pharmacies may continue for a while. The best strategy is to plan ahead—don't wait until your last pen to try to refill.

Final Thoughts

The Saxenda shortage has been one of the most frustrating medication access issues in recent years. While the situation has improved significantly in 2026 thanks to generic Liraglutide and increased manufacturing, it's still not perfect.

Stay proactive: check stock before you run out, ask about generics, and keep your doctor in the loop about any access issues. If Saxenda remains hard to find in your area, there are effective alternatives worth discussing.

Use MedFinder to check real-time Saxenda availability near you, and bookmark this page for ongoing updates.