Saxenda has been difficult to find at pharmacies since 2023. Learn why Saxenda is hard to get in 2026 and what you can do to fill your prescription.
You finally got the prescription. Your doctor said Saxenda could help you reach your weight loss goals. But when you called your pharmacy — or the next one, or the one after that — you heard the same thing: "We don't have Saxenda in stock."
It's frustrating, and you're far from the only person dealing with this. Since 2023, Saxenda and other GLP-1 weight loss medications have been in and out of shortage across the country. While the situation has improved heading into 2026, many patients still struggle to find Saxenda at their local pharmacy.
In this article, we'll explain what Saxenda is, why it's been so hard to find, and what you can do right now to get your prescription filled.
Saxenda is the brand name for Liraglutide, an injectable prescription medication used for chronic weight management. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite and food intake.
Saxenda is FDA-approved for:
It's given as a daily injection under the skin using a pre-filled pen. The dose starts low at 0.6 mg per day and gradually increases over five weeks to the target dose of 3.0 mg daily. You can learn more about how to take it in our complete guide to Saxenda.
There are several reasons why Saxenda has been difficult to locate at pharmacies. Here are the main factors:
The popularity of GLP-1 medications for weight loss exploded starting in 2022 and 2023. Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda became some of the most talked-about medications in the country. This surge in prescriptions far outpaced what manufacturers could produce, creating shortages across the entire drug class.
Even though Saxenda has been on the market since 2014, the rising demand for all GLP-1 medications put pressure on the supply chain.
Biologic injectable medications like Saxenda are more complex to manufacture than simple pills. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Saxenda, also produces Ozempic, Wegovy, and Victoza — all of which use similar manufacturing processes. When demand for multiple products surged at the same time, production couldn't keep up.
Novo Nordisk has invested billions in expanding manufacturing capacity, but building new production facilities takes years, not months.
Even when Saxenda is being produced, it doesn't always reach every pharmacy evenly. Large chain pharmacies may receive the majority of available supply, while smaller independent pharmacies get less. Some regions of the country are hit harder than others, and cold-chain shipping requirements for injectable medications add another layer of complexity.
Even when Saxenda is in stock, insurance barriers can make it feel impossible to get. Many insurance plans require prior authorization before covering Saxenda, which can take days or weeks. Some plans require step therapy — meaning you have to try and fail on cheaper medications first. By the time approval comes through, the pharmacy's supply may have already been claimed.
The good news is that the Saxenda supply situation has improved significantly compared to 2023 and 2024. According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), brand-name Saxenda is generally available as of early 2026.
A major development was the FDA approval of generic Liraglutide by Teva Pharmaceuticals in August 2025 — the first-ever generic GLP-1 approved for weight loss. Additional generic manufacturers are expected to enter the market after February 2026, which should further improve availability and potentially bring prices down.
That said, some individual pharmacies may still experience intermittent stock issues, especially in high-demand areas. If your pharmacy doesn't have it today, it doesn't necessarily mean there's a nationwide shortage — it may just be a local supply gap.
If you're having trouble finding Saxenda, here are some practical steps:
Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, use Medfinder to quickly see which pharmacies near you have Saxenda in stock. It saves time and takes the guesswork out of the process.
Don't limit yourself to big chain pharmacies. Independent and specialty pharmacies sometimes have better access to medications that are in short supply. They may also be more willing to order Saxenda specifically for you.
With Teva's generic now available, ask your pharmacy if they carry generic Liraglutide injection as an alternative to brand-name Saxenda. It contains the same active ingredient and works the same way, often at a lower price point.
If Saxenda remains unavailable, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medication. Options like Wegovy, Zepbound, or Contrave may be easier to find depending on your area and insurance coverage.
If you're currently taking Saxenda and can't get a refill, contact your doctor before stopping. Abruptly discontinuing may affect your progress, and your provider can help you manage the transition.
The Saxenda shortage has been one of the most frustrating medication access issues in recent years. While the situation is much better in 2026 — thanks to improved manufacturing and the arrival of generic Liraglutide — finding Saxenda can still require some effort depending on where you live.
The most important thing is to stay proactive. Use tools like Medfinder, explore all your pharmacy options, and keep an open line of communication with your prescriber. For more tips, check out our guide on how to find Saxenda in stock near you.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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