The Semglee Shortage: Where Do Things Stand in 2026?

If you depend on Semglee to manage your diabetes, the past few years have been nerve-wracking. Supply disruptions, empty pharmacy shelves, and endless phone calls — it's been a real struggle for thousands of patients.

In this update, we'll cover the current state of the Semglee shortage in 2026, explain what's causing ongoing availability issues, and give you practical steps to find your insulin and keep your diabetes management on track.

Is Semglee Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Semglee availability has improved compared to the worst periods in 2023–2024, but intermittent shortages persist in many regions. The situation varies significantly:

• Pen formulation: The Semglee pre-filled pen has been harder to find than the vial in many areas.
• Regional differences: Urban pharmacies with high volume tend to have better stock, while rural and suburban locations may still experience gaps.
• Wholesaler variability: Some drug wholesalers have more consistent Semglee supply than others, which means different pharmacy chains may have different availability.

The FDA's drug shortage database has listed insulin glargine products periodically. While Semglee is not always formally listed as "in shortage," real-world availability doesn't always match official designations.

Why Is Semglee Still Hard to Find?

Several factors continue to affect Semglee supply:

Manufacturing Transitions

Viatris, Semglee's manufacturer, has been navigating production scaling challenges. Manufacturing biological products like insulin is significantly more complex than producing standard pills, and any disruption — from equipment maintenance to raw material sourcing — can ripple through the supply chain for months.

Market Dynamics and Pricing Shifts

The insulin market has undergone dramatic changes. Major manufacturers like Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi have cut list prices on key insulin products. This has shifted demand patterns across the market, and products like Semglee have seen fluctuating demand as patients and insurers adjust.

Insurance Formulary Changes

When large insurance plans add or remove Semglee from their formularies, it creates sudden demand spikes or drops. A PBM switching 100,000 patients to Semglee can strain supply; switching them away can leave pharmacies overstocked on some products and understocked on others.

The $35 Insulin Cap Effect

The Inflation Reduction Act capped insulin copays at $35/month for Medicare patients. This increased insulin utilization overall, putting additional demand pressure on all insulin products, including Semglee.

How Much Does Semglee Cost in 2026?

Semglee remains one of the more affordable basal insulin options:

• Cash price (without insurance): Approximately $125–$350 for a box of 5 pens or a 10 mL vial, depending on the pharmacy.
• With discount cards: As low as $80–$150 at participating pharmacies through programs like GoodRx, SingleCare, or the Viatris savings card.
• With insurance: Many patients pay $0–$35 per fill, especially under Medicare's $35 copay cap or with the manufacturer's savings card.
• Patient assistance: Qualifying uninsured patients may receive Semglee at no cost through the Viatris Patient Assistance Program.

For a full breakdown of savings options, read our guide to saving money on Semglee.

Are There New Options for Patients in 2026?

The insulin landscape continues to evolve. Here are some developments to be aware of:

• Eli Lilly's $35 cap: Lilly has capped out-of-pocket costs for its insulins, including Basaglar, at $35/month regardless of insurance status.
• Authorized generics: Several manufacturers have introduced authorized generic versions of their brand insulins, increasing overall supply.
• More biosimilars: Additional insulin glargine biosimilars, including Rezvoglar, have entered the market, expanding options beyond Semglee.
• Over-the-counter insulin: While not a replacement for prescribed basal insulin like Semglee, OTC insulin products (like Walmart's ReliOn) are available as an emergency stopgap.

How to Find Semglee in Stock Right Now

Here are the most effective strategies:

1. Use Medfinder to search pharmacy availability by zip code in real time.
2. Try independent pharmacies — they often use different wholesalers than big chains.
3. Ask your pharmacist to special-order it — many can get it within 24–48 hours.
4. Consider mail-order through your insurance plan for more reliable 90-day fills.
5. Check specialty pharmacies that focus on diabetes care.

For more detailed tips, see our full guide on how to find Semglee in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Semglee shortage situation is improving, but it's not over. Patients still need to be proactive about refills, stay informed about alternatives, and use every tool available to ensure uninterrupted access to their insulin.

If you can't find Semglee at all, talk to your doctor about switching to an alternative like Lantus, Basaglar, Levemir, or Toujeo. And remember — never skip doses of insulin. Your healthcare team is there to help you find a solution.

Use Medfinder to check Semglee availability near you right now.