The FDA just dropped some big news: the long-standing drug shortage of semaglutide, the key ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, is officially over.
After nearly two years of supply issues that left pharmacies struggling to keep up with demand, Novo Nordisk, the drug’s manufacturer, says they’ve got enough supply to meet everyone’s needs in the U.S.
If you’ve been waiting for a prescription or bouncing between pharmacies hoping to snag a refill, this is the update you’ve been waiting for. But there’s a catch, especially if you’ve been using compounded versions of these meds.
No More Compounded Semaglutide After May 2025
During the shortage, compounding pharmacies stepped in, creating their own versions of semaglutide. But now that the supply is stable, the FDA says it’s time to phase those out. By April 22, 2025, regular compounding pharmacies must stop producing semaglutide, and larger outsourcing facilities have until May 22, 2025 to follow suit.
So, if you’ve been relying on compounded versions, it’s time to check in with your doctor and get a prescription for the brand-name drugs. The good news? You should have an easier time getting your hands on Ozempic or Wegovy without the months-long wait.
What This Means for Your Wallet
The return of Ozempic and Wegovy also comes with a financial shake-up. Compounded versions were often cheaper, making them more accessible for people without insurance coverage. With those options going away, some users might face higher out-of-pocket costs, especially if their insurance doesn’t cover weight-loss medications like Wegovy.
Still, with the official versions back in stock, you can at least count on consistent dosage and quality, something that wasn’t always guaranteed with compounded versions.
What About Side Effects and Demand?
Semaglutide’s popularity isn’t just about weight loss, it’s also a game-changer for people with type 2 diabetes. But its success in helping people shed pounds has fueled massive demand, sometimes leading to shortages and leaving diabetes patients scrambling. With supply issues now resolved, both groups should see better availability.
That said, demand is still sky-high, so don’t be surprised if some pharmacies take a little time to catch up. The FDA warns that local supply hiccups might still happen as products move through distribution channels.
Investors Are Paying Attention Too
The FDA’s announcement hasn’t just impacted patients, it’s shaking up the stock market, too. Shares of Hims & Hers Health Inc., which offered compounded versions of semaglutide, dropped sharply after the news. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk’s stock is climbing, with investors confident that the company will dominate the market now that supply is back on track.
If you’ve been waiting to start Ozempic or Wegovy, or struggling to find a pharmacy with stock due to the semaglutide drug shortage, you should see things improve soon according to the FDA. Just remember that compounded versions are being phased out, so if you’ve been using those, now’s the time to switch to the real deal.
And if you’re still having trouble finding it locally, hang tight, supply chains are still catching up, but the FDA says relief is finally here.
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