Why Is Trulicity So Hard to Find? [Explained for 2026]

If you've been to the pharmacy recently and been told Trulicity is out of stock, you're not alone. Trulicity (dulaglutide) has been on the FDA's drug shortage list since August 2022 — and in 2026, supply issues continue to affect patients across the country. This article breaks down exactly why Trulicity is so hard to find, which doses are most affected, and what practical steps you can take today.

Is Trulicity Still in Shortage in 2026?

Yes. As of 2026, Trulicity (dulaglutide) remains listed on the FDA's drug shortage database. While lower doses like 0.75 mg and 1.5 mg have seen some improvement in availability, the higher doses — 3 mg and 4.5 mg — continue to have the most limited supply. Patients who need these maintenance doses are experiencing the most significant disruptions.

Availability can vary dramatically by pharmacy, region, and even week. One pharmacy may have stock; one two miles away may be completely out. This patchwork availability makes it especially frustrating for patients who depend on Trulicity for blood sugar control and cardiovascular risk reduction.

What Caused the Trulicity Shortage in the First Place?

The Trulicity shortage didn't happen overnight. It was a perfect storm of several overlapping factors:

1. The Ozempic Shortage Created a Ripple Effect

When Ozempic (semaglutide) went into shortage starting in 2022 due to skyrocketing demand, many patients were switched to alternative GLP-1 medications — including Trulicity. This sudden, unexpected surge in demand for Trulicity overwhelmed Eli Lilly's existing production capacity. According to Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration, Eli Lilly reported the shortage beginning in June 2022, directly linking it to demand spillover from the Ozempic shortage.

2. Manufacturing Challenges at Eli Lilly

By early 2025, Eli Lilly disclosed that manufacturing issues were independently contributing to the Trulicity shortage — separate from demand pressures. This compounded the problem, creating supply gaps even as other GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) began to recover.

3. Eli Lilly Is Focusing on Newer Medications

A major structural reason Trulicity remains hard to find: Eli Lilly has been shifting its manufacturing resources toward its newer, more profitable drugs — particularly Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Zepbound. Trulicity's market share has been declining as newer, more effective GLP-1 therapies have gained popularity. This business decision means fewer resources are devoted to ramping up Trulicity production, even as patients continue to need it.

Which Trulicity Doses Are Most Affected?

Not all Trulicity doses are equally affected. Here's a general breakdown of availability:

• 0.75 mg and 1.5 mg: More widely available; these are the starting and initial maintenance doses

• 3 mg and 4.5 mg: Significantly harder to find; these higher doses have faced the most severe shortages since 2022

Some clinicians have explored using multiple 1.5 mg injections as a substitute for unavailable higher doses, though this is a clinical decision your provider must make based on your individual situation.

Why Does Availability Vary So Much Between Pharmacies?

Pharmacies source medications through different wholesale distributors, and those distributors receive stock on different schedules. As Eli Lilly itself has noted, even when doses are technically available, some patients may still experience difficulties getting their medication from their pharmacy due to supply chain dynamics that are outside Lilly's direct control. In practice, this means calling one pharmacy and finding no stock, then calling one across town and finding it available.

What Should You Do If You Can't Find Trulicity?

Here are the most effective steps patients have used to locate Trulicity when their usual pharmacy is out of stock:

• Call multiple pharmacies: Independent pharmacies, grocery store pharmacies, and big-box stores often have different stock than national chain pharmacies.

• Ask to be added to a backorder list: Many pharmacies maintain waitlists; when stock arrives, they can fill your prescription and notify you.

• Talk to your prescriber: Your doctor may be able to switch you temporarily to a different GLP-1 agonist like Ozempic (semaglutide), or adjust your dose to use more available strengths.

• Use medfinder: medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find which ones can fill your Trulicity prescription, saving you hours of frustrating phone calls.

Will the Trulicity Shortage End Soon?

There is no confirmed resolution date for the Trulicity shortage in the United States. Regulatory bodies in Australia anticipated the shortage to continue through at least June 2026, and the U.S. FDA continues to list dulaglutide as in shortage. With Eli Lilly focusing manufacturing investment on tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) products, Trulicity availability is unlikely to significantly improve in the short term.

For patients who rely on Trulicity to manage type 2 diabetes — especially those taking it for cardiovascular risk reduction — breaks in therapy can have real health consequences. Staying proactive about locating your medication is essential.

A Note on Compounded Dulaglutide

During the shortage, some compounding pharmacies have produced dulaglutide products. However, Eli Lilly and the FDA have warned that these compounded products have not been reviewed for safety, quality, or efficacy. Talk to your provider before considering compounded alternatives — FDA-approved Trulicity is the safer choice when it can be found.

The Bottom Line

Trulicity is hard to find in 2026 because of a combination of demand surges, manufacturing problems, and Eli Lilly's strategic pivot toward newer therapies. The shortage is real and ongoing, particularly for higher doses. For the latest shortage updates, read our Trulicity shortage update for 2026. And if you need help locating Trulicity at a pharmacy near you, see our guide on how to find Trulicity in stock near you.