Why Is the Adlyxin Starter Kit So Hard to Find? [Explained for 2026]

If you've been searching for the Adlyxin Starter Kit at your pharmacy and coming up empty, you're not imagining things. The Adlyxin Starter Kit — which contains lixisenatide, a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes — is no longer available in the United States. But understanding exactly why it disappeared, and what your options are now, can help you move forward with your diabetes management.

What Is the Adlyxin Starter Kit?

The Adlyxin Starter Kit was a two-pen initiation pack for adults starting lixisenatide therapy. It contained one green pen (50 mcg/mL, delivering 14 doses of 10 mcg) for the first two weeks of treatment, and one burgundy pen (100 mcg/mL, delivering 14 doses of 20 mcg) for the maintenance phase — together providing a full 28-day supply. The kit allowed patients to titrate up gradually to reduce nausea and improve tolerability.

Lixisenatide works by increasing glucose-dependent insulin release, decreasing glucagon secretion, and slowing gastric emptying — all of which help lower blood sugar levels after meals. It was FDA-approved in July 2016 as an adjunct to diet and exercise for adults with type 2 diabetes.

Why You Can't Find It: It Was Discontinued, Not Shortage

Here's the key distinction: the Adlyxin Starter Kit is not experiencing a temporary shortage. Sanofi, the manufacturer, voluntarily discontinued Adlyxin in the United States as of January 1, 2023. The company announced the decision on October 20, 2022, citing competition from newer GLP-1 therapies and the drug's financial performance.

This means Adlyxin is not coming back to US pharmacy shelves. No new stock is being manufactured or distributed for the US market. Any remaining inventory at specialty pharmacies is the last of what will ever be available domestically.

What Drove Sanofi's Decision to Discontinue Adlyxin?

The GLP-1 market underwent dramatic change after Adlyxin launched in 2016. Newer once-weekly agents like semaglutide (Ozempic) and dulaglutide (Trulicity) offered patients the same class of medication with far less frequent injections. The shift toward weekly dosing made daily GLP-1 injectables like lixisenatide less attractive to both patients and prescribers.

Additionally, newer agents in the GLP-1 class demonstrated stronger blood sugar reduction and significant weight loss benefits that Adlyxin could not match. With the rise of semaglutide and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), lixisenatide's modest A1C reduction of roughly 0.79% became less competitive.

Is Lixisenatide Still Available in Any Form in the US?

Yes — but only in combination. Soliqua 100/33, which combines insulin glargine with lixisenatide in a single daily injection pen, remains available in the United States. Soliqua is indicated for adults with type 2 diabetes who are inadequately controlled on basal insulin (less than 60 units daily) or lixisenatide alone. If your doctor previously had you on Adlyxin and you also require basal insulin, Soliqua may be worth asking about.

What Should You Do If You Were Taking the Adlyxin Starter Kit?

If you were starting or already on the Adlyxin Starter Kit, the most important step is to contact your prescribing doctor. Do not simply stop taking your diabetes medication without guidance — abrupt discontinuation of a GLP-1 agent can allow your blood sugar to rise. Your provider can prescribe an appropriate GLP-1 alternative based on your specific health profile, insurance coverage, and treatment goals.

Common replacement options your doctor might consider include:

Ozempic (semaglutide) — Once-weekly injection with superior A1C reduction and proven cardiovascular benefits

Trulicity (dulaglutide) — Once-weekly auto-injector with hidden needle; proven cardiovascular data

Victoza (liraglutide) — Once-daily injection; long safety record; cardiovascular benefits in patients with heart disease

Soliqua 100/33 (lixisenatide + insulin glargine) — Still available; contains lixisenatide; option for patients on basal insulin

Can medfinder Help You Find the Adlyxin Starter Kit?

Because the Adlyxin Starter Kit was fully discontinued in the US in January 2023, no pharmacies are currently receiving new supply. However, if you're looking for alternatives like Soliqua, Ozempic, or Trulicity — or any other medication for your diabetes — medfinder can call pharmacies near you to find which ones have your replacement medication in stock. This can save you hours of phone calls and frustration.

What About Adlyxin Outside the United States?

Lixisenatide has been available internationally as Lyxumia since 2013. However, similar to the US, Sanofi withdrew Lyxumia from the UK in late 2023, and health formulary guidelines there confirmed no new patients could be initiated on the drug. The global trend reflects the same competitive pressure from newer GLP-1 therapies. Patients in other countries should check with their local health systems for current availability.

Key Takeaways

The Adlyxin Starter Kit (lixisenatide) was discontinued in the US by Sanofi as of January 1, 2023 — this is a permanent withdrawal, not a temporary shortage

Competition from once-weekly GLP-1 agents and weak market performance drove the decision

Lixisenatide still exists in Soliqua 100/33, which remains available in the US

Contact your doctor to transition to an appropriate GLP-1 alternative before stopping therapy

Looking for a specific alternative? Read our guide on the best Adlyxin alternatives in 2026 to help you and your doctor make the right call.