Trulicity Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Trulicity (dulaglutide) has been on the FDA's drug shortage list since August 2022 — making it one of the longest-running prescription drug shortages in recent memory. As of 2026, the situation has improved somewhat for lower doses but remains challenging for patients on higher maintenance doses. This article gives you the latest update on the Trulicity shortage, what Eli Lilly is saying, and the most practical steps you can take right now.

Where Does the Trulicity Shortage Stand in 2026?

Trulicity (dulaglutide) remains on the FDA drug shortage database as of 2026. The higher doses — 3 mg and 4.5 mg — continue to have the most limited supply. Patients in Australia were told the shortage would continue through at least June 2026, and U.S. patients continue to experience intermittent supply interruptions.

In contrast, the Ozempic shortage (semaglutide) was declared resolved in February 2025, and the Mounjaro (tirzepatide) shortage resolved in December 2024. Trulicity stands as one of the few major GLP-1 receptor agonists still formally in shortage in 2026.

Timeline: How the Trulicity Shortage Unfolded

• June 2022: Eli Lilly reports a Trulicity shortage due to unexpected demand surge, heavily linked to Ozempic supply issues causing patient switches.

• August 2022: FDA officially adds dulaglutide to the drug shortage database.

• 2023: Higher doses (3 mg, 4.5 mg) face most severe shortages. Lower doses (0.75 mg, 1.5 mg) remain more available.

• Early 2025: Eli Lilly discloses manufacturing issues independently impacting Trulicity supply, separate from demand pressures.

• 2026: Shortage remains ongoing; Eli Lilly continues to prioritize production of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Zepbound. No confirmed U.S. end date.

Why Is the Trulicity Shortage Lasting So Long?

Unlike the Ozempic shortage — which ended once Novo Nordisk expanded production — the Trulicity shortage has lingered for a critical reason: Eli Lilly has less commercial incentive to ramp up Trulicity production. Trulicity is a maturing product losing market share to newer, more effective medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound. Eli Lilly has been reallocating manufacturing capacity toward these newer products, which generate more revenue and have stronger demand growth.

This doesn't mean Trulicity is being abandoned — it remains FDA-approved and Eli Lilly continues to supply it — but the urgency to resolve the shortage is lower than it would be for a newer, growing product.

How Does a Trulicity Shortage Affect Patients?

Missing doses of Trulicity can have real consequences for patients with type 2 diabetes:

• Blood sugar control: Missing a weekly Trulicity dose can cause blood glucose to rise within 1-2 weeks. Symptoms like fatigue, increased thirst, and blurry vision may return.

• Cardiovascular risk: For patients using Trulicity specifically for cardiovascular protection, interruptions in therapy remove that protective benefit.

• Weight regain: Patients who have experienced weight loss on Trulicity may notice weight regain when therapy is interrupted.

What Should Patients Do Right Now?

• Contact your doctor immediately if you cannot fill your prescription. Don't wait until you're completely out — discuss options for a bridge medication.

• Call multiple pharmacies — national chains, big-box stores, grocery pharmacies, and independent pharmacies all have different supply chains.

• Use medfinder to have pharmacies called on your behalf. You provide your medication, dose, and zip code — medfinder does the calling and texts you with results.

• Ask about mail-order options — mail-order pharmacies may have different stock than local retail pharmacies.

The Bottom Line

The Trulicity shortage is ongoing in 2026 with no confirmed end date for the United States. Patients should plan ahead, maintain open communication with their prescriber, and explore all options — including Trulicity alternatives and strategies to find Trulicity in stock near them.