If You've Been Told "We Don't Have It," You're Not Alone

You walk into the pharmacy expecting to pick up your Ozempic pen, and the pharmacist delivers the news: it's out of stock. No ETA. You call three more pharmacies — same story. If this sounds familiar, you're one of millions of patients dealing with the ongoing Ozempic shortage in 2026.

Ozempic (Semaglutide) has become one of the most talked-about — and hardest to find — medications in the country. In this guide, we'll explain exactly why Ozempic is so hard to find, what's behind the supply problems, and what steps you can take right now to get your prescription filled.

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a brand-name injectable medication made by Novo Nordisk. Its active ingredient is Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It was approved by the FDA for adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control alongside diet and exercise.

Ozempic comes as a pre-filled pen that you inject under the skin once a week. It's available in four dose strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg. Most patients start at the lowest dose and gradually increase over several months.

While Ozempic is only FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, it's become widely known for its weight loss effects. A related medication called Wegovy uses the same active ingredient at a higher dose and is specifically approved for chronic weight management. This dual demand has been a major driver of the supply crunch.

For a deeper dive into how this medication works, check out our guide on how Ozempic works.

Why Is Ozempic So Hard to Find?

The Ozempic shortage isn't caused by a single issue — it's a perfect storm of several factors happening at the same time. Here are the main reasons.

1. Explosive Demand for Weight Loss

When celebrities, social media influencers, and news outlets began publicizing Semaglutide's weight loss effects, demand skyrocketed. Millions of people — many without diabetes — began seeking prescriptions for Ozempic or Wegovy. Since both products use the same active ingredient manufactured at the same facilities, the surge in demand for one directly affects the supply of the other.

This put Novo Nordisk's manufacturing in a bind: the company simply couldn't produce enough Semaglutide to meet the sudden, massive increase in demand across both products.

2. Complex Manufacturing Process

Semaglutide is a biologic peptide, not a simple chemical pill. Manufacturing injectable biologics requires specialized facilities, strict quality controls, and lengthy production timelines. You can't just flip a switch and double output overnight. Even with Novo Nordisk investing over $6 billion in expanding production capacity, it takes years for new manufacturing lines to come online and receive regulatory approval.

3. No Generic Alternative Exists

Unlike many common medications, there is no generic version of Ozempic. Novo Nordisk holds patent protection that is expected to last through at least 2031-2032. That means one company controls the entire supply of Semaglutide injection products. When they can't keep up with demand, there's no other manufacturer to fill the gap.

4. Insurance and Formulary Shifts

As insurance companies have added Ozempic to their formularies and more providers prescribe it, patient volume has grown steadily. Some insurers require patients to try Ozempic before approving newer (and more expensive) alternatives like Mounjaro, creating additional demand pressure on an already constrained supply.

What You Can Do Right Now

Being told your medication is unavailable is stressful, especially when you depend on it to manage your diabetes. Here are practical steps you can take.

Use a Real-Time Pharmacy Finder

Medfinder helps you check which pharmacies near you currently have Ozempic in stock. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can search once and see real-time availability. This is the fastest way to locate your medication.

Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

Most people default to the big chain pharmacies — CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid. But independent pharmacies and specialty pharmacies often have different supply chains and may have stock when the chains don't. Don't overlook them.

Ask Your Doctor About Dose Flexibility

Some dose strengths are harder to find than others. Your doctor may be able to adjust your prescription to a dose that's more readily available. For example, the 1 mg pen may be in stock when the 0.5 mg pen isn't. Never change your dose on your own — always talk to your prescriber first.

Consider Alternatives

If you've been unable to fill your Ozempic prescription for an extended period, talk to your doctor about alternatives to Ozempic. Other GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), Trulicity (Dulaglutide), or Rybelsus (oral Semaglutide) may be available and appropriate for your situation.

Look Into Savings Programs

If cost is part of the problem, know that Novo Nordisk offers a savings card that can bring your copay down to as little as $25 per fill if you have commercial insurance. Uninsured patients may qualify for the NovoCare Patient Assistance Program. Learn more in our guide on how to save money on Ozempic.

Will the Shortage End?

Novo Nordisk has made massive investments in manufacturing capacity and the supply situation has improved compared to the worst of 2023-2024. However, as of early 2026, localized shortages still occur — particularly for starter doses (0.25 mg and 0.5 mg). Industry analysts expect the supply to stabilize further through 2026 as new production facilities come fully online, but demand continues to grow as well.

For the latest information, check out our Ozempic shortage update for 2026.

Final Thoughts

The Ozempic shortage has been one of the most disruptive drug supply issues in recent memory, and it's understandable if you're frustrated. The good news is that there are concrete steps you can take — from using tools like Medfinder to talking to your doctor about alternatives. Don't give up on getting the medication you need.