Demand for semaglutide injections exploded between 2022 and 2024, pushing both Ozempic® and Wegovy® onto the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s Drug Shortages list. That squeeze has now eased: on February 21, 2025, the FDA declared the semaglutide shortage resolved. Nevertheless, many people who use the drug still face questions about supply, price, and practical next steps.
Ozempic & Wegovy at a Glance
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Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.
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Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management and, since 2024, for reducing cardiovascular risk in adults with obesity or overweight and heart disease.
The 2022–2024 Ozempic Shortage: What Happened?
A viral surge in demand for Ozempic and Wegovy—driven largely by their weight-loss reputation—quickly outpaced sterile-injectable manufacturing capacity. During the shortage, counterfeit pens entered the market, prompting safety alerts from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and the FDA. Patients frequently encountered back orders, quantity caps, and sudden pharmacy stockouts.
Supply in 2025: From Shortage to Stability
Novo Nordisk invested $6 billion to expand production and acquire three additional manufacturing sites, moves slated for completion by year-end 2025. The FDA has now removed Wegovy and Ozempic from its active shortage list, although it continues to monitor inventories closely. All U.S. Ozempic dose strengths are listed as available. Because factory ramp-up is gradual, local “pocket shortages” can still occur—another reason to stay proactive.
Securing The Semaglutide Prescription
Speak with your clinician about timing refills two to three weeks in advance. Maintain regular pharmacy communication to confirm stock before your pen runs out. Should local pharmacies fall short, Heally can issue a semaglutide prescription and ship medication to your door.
What will it cost? Retail prices average $1,000-$1,200 per month without insurance, but manufacturer coupons can drop copays to as little as $25 for eligible commercial plans.
If Supply Tightens Again: Exploring Alternatives
Even with the shortage resolved, supply gaps or insurance hurdles may push you to consider substitutes. You may want to discuss tirzepatide with your prescriber. In the forms of Zepbound for weight management and Mounjaro for type-2 diabetes, it is a dual-action incretin analog that has shown higher average weight loss than semaglutide in head-to-head trials and may offer better insurance coverage for obesity in some cases.
Professional Guidance Matters
These injections work best within a broader plan that prioritizes nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral support. Clinicians can tailor dosage schedules, monitor side-effects, and pivot quickly if supply or tolerance issues arise. Importantly, the FDA discourages buying semaglutide labeled “research only” or “not for human use,” as such products may be unsafe, ineffective, or illegal.
Conclusion
The Ozempic Shortage that defined the past two years is officially over, yet thoughtful planning remains essential for uninterrupted care. Confirm pharmacy stock early, explore cost-saving tools, and work closely with trusted clinicians. Whether you continue semaglutide or pivot to tirzepatide, professional oversight with Heally drives safe, sustainable results—schedule a consultation with Heally today.
Sources
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FDA. “Semaglutide Injection Shortage Resolved,” Feb 21 2025.U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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ABC News. “Ozempic, Wegovy move closer to no longer being in shortage,” Oct 30 2024.ABC News
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ABC News. “Novo Nordisk announces $6B investment,” Aug 2024.ABC News
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People. “Novo Nordisk Investing $6 Billion…” Oct 2024.People.com
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SingleCare. “Ozempic Shortage: Causes, Consequences & Alternatives,” Apr 2025.SingleCare
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NABP. “Injectable Weight-Loss Drugs Illegally Sold Online,” Nov 2023.NABP
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FDA. “Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs,” May 2025.U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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GoodRx. “How Much Ozempic Costs Without Insurance,” Apr 2 2025.GoodRx
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GoodRx. “Ozempic Pen Coupons & Savings,” 2025 update.GoodRx
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Investopedia. “How to Save on Weight-Loss Drugs,” Feb 2025.Investopedia
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GoodRx. “Zepbound vs. Ozempic: Differences,” Jan 2024.GoodRx
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SesameCare. “Semaglutide shortage is ending—what’s next?” Jun 2025.Sesame Care
Important Medical Information and Disclaimers
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (for chronic weight management) are FDA‑approved semaglutide medications. Ozempic was approved in 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults; Wegovy received FDA approval in 2021 for weight loss in adults and teens with obesity or overweight, and in 2024 gained additional approval to help reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with obesity or overweight and heart disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment involving semaglutide.
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS VARY: How individuals respond to semaglutide differs widely. Factors such as dosage (Ozempic versus higher-dose Wegovy), treatment adherence, diet, physical activity, age, metabolism, existing medical conditions, and overall wellbeing can all influence outcomes.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
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Common side effects (≥5% of users): nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, headache, fatigue, and injection-site reactions—reported with both Ozempic and Wegovy.
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Serious side effects: include acute pancreatitis; gallbladder disease (such as cholelithiasis); acute kidney injury; hypoglycemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes; ileus or gastroparesis leading to bowel obstruction; and severe allergic or injection-site reactions.
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Thyroid considerations: In rodent studies, semaglutide was associated with thyroid C‑cell tumors; whether this applies to humans is unclear. Semaglutide is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
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Unapproved compounded products warning: The FDA has issued alerts about unapproved semaglutide formulations marketed for weight loss; these may lack proven safety, consistency, or efficacy and are not substitutions for FDA‑approved medications.
FDA ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING: If you experience negative side effects, you are encouraged to report them to the FDA via MedWatch: visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088.
