If You've Been Struggling to Find Ozempic, You're Not Alone

For nearly three years, patients across the country heard the same thing at the pharmacy counter: "We don't have Ozempic in stock." The shortage of semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic — became one of the most talked-about drug shortages in recent memory. While the FDA officially resolved the shortage in February 2025, many patients still experience occasional difficulty filling their prescriptions in 2026.

If you've been wondering why Ozempic is so hard to find, this article breaks down the reasons and, more importantly, what you can do about it.

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk. It's FDA-approved as a once-weekly injection to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It also has an approved indication for reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease.

Ozempic works by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1 that your body releases after eating. It stimulates insulin release, reduces glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. These effects help lower blood sugar — and often lead to significant weight loss as a secondary benefit.

Ozempic is available in pre-filled injection pens at doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg, injected once per week in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Why Has Ozempic Been So Hard to Find?

Several factors have contributed to Ozempic's availability challenges:

1. Explosive Demand for Weight Loss

While Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, its weight loss effects made it wildly popular for off-label use. Celebrities, social media influencers, and word-of-mouth drove demand far beyond what Novo Nordisk anticipated. Prescriptions surged, and manufacturing couldn't keep pace.

2. Manufacturing Capacity Constraints

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic require specialized biological manufacturing processes. Novo Nordisk invested billions in expanding production, but building new manufacturing facilities takes years. During the shortage period (2022–2025), demand consistently outpaced supply.

3. Supply Chain Disruptions

Global supply chain issues that affected many industries also impacted pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution. Raw material sourcing, logistics delays, and distribution bottlenecks all played a role.

4. Pharmacy Distribution Patterns

Even when Ozempic was technically available, large chain pharmacies often received inconsistent shipments. Some locations would have stock while others just miles away had none. This created a frustrating patchwork of availability.

Is Ozempic Still in Shortage in 2026?

The good news: the FDA officially removed semaglutide from its drug shortage list on February 21, 2025, declaring that supply now meets demand. Novo Nordisk has significantly expanded manufacturing capacity, and most patients can now fill their Ozempic prescriptions without major delays.

However, some patients still report occasional difficulty finding specific doses, particularly the 2 mg pen. Availability can vary by region, pharmacy, and time of month.

What You Can Do to Find Ozempic in 2026

Use a Real-Time Pharmacy Finder

Medfinder tracks real-time Ozempic availability across pharmacies near you. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check stock in seconds and find where to fill your prescription today.

Try Independent Pharmacies

While chain pharmacies get the most traffic, independent and compounding pharmacies often have different distribution channels and may have Ozempic in stock when chains don't.

Ask About Alternative Doses or Formulations

If your specific dose isn't available, talk to your doctor about whether a different Ozempic pen strength could work temporarily. In some cases, your prescriber may also consider alternative GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) or Trulicity (dulaglutide).

Fill Early and Consistently

Don't wait until your last dose to refill. Most insurance plans allow you to refill a few days early. Building in a small buffer can prevent gaps in treatment.

Final Thoughts

The Ozempic shortage was a significant challenge for millions of patients with type 2 diabetes. While the worst is behind us, staying proactive about your prescription is still important in 2026. Tools like Medfinder can help you find Ozempic in stock near you — quickly and easily.

For more information, read our guides on the latest Ozempic shortage updates and how to save money on Ozempic.