If you’re struggling to access tirzepatide, you're not alone. Whether you're managing diabetes or trying to lose weight, getting your hands on this medication has been tough.
Even before tirzepatide was approved for weight loss in 2023, its supply couldn’t meet the growing demand. The drug has been on the FDA’s shortage list since 2022, and while it briefly seemed like the shortage was easing up, that’s no longer the case. 1
To help with the current situation, the FDA has allowed compounding pharmacies to start producing compounded tirzepatide again. But how did we get here? And what does this mean for those waiting on their prescriptions? Let’s break it down.
Why Is Tirzepatide So Popular?
Tirzepatide’s journey started with type 2 diabetes treatment. It’s designed to regulate blood sugar by imitating certain hormones in the body. But when researchers noticed that patients were also losing a significant amount of weight during clinical trials—an average of 12% of their body weight over 72 weeks—the buzz around tirzepatide grew louder. 2
In 2023, the FDA approved the medication specifically for weight loss under the brand name Zepbound. 2 This opened the floodgates for people who had been searching for an effective weight loss solution. But even before this, tirzepatide had been hard to find. With both diabetes and weight loss patients seeking it out, pharmacies struggled to meet demand, and the supply issues snowballed.
Tirzepatide Was Once off the Shortage List
For a brief moment in October 2024, it looked like the supply situation might be getting better. The FDA removed tirzepatide from its shortage list, which was a promising sign. It seemed like manufacturers were ramping up production, and the worst of the shortage might be behind us. 1
However, this decision also meant that compounding pharmacies, which had been producing compounded tirzepatide to meet demand during the shortage, were no longer allowed to continue. The FDA gave them a 60-day window to finish up existing orders but stopped them from accepting any new ones. This decision led to frustration among both patients and pharmacists, as many reported that they were still unable to access the medication. Despite the FDA’s removal of the shortage designation, the demand continued to far exceed the available supply. 3
The Shortage Has Returned
It didn’t take long for problems to resurface. After tirzepatide was removed from the shortage list, patients and pharmacists were still struggling to get the medication. In fact, the Outsourcing Facilities Association, representing compounding pharmacies, filed a lawsuit against the FDA. They argued that the shortage wasn’t really over and that patients were still facing serious challenges accessing their prescriptions. 3
In response, the FDA reversed its decision—at least temporarily. They decided to let compounding pharmacies resume production of compounded tirzepatide while they reassess the situation. For now, patients have some relief, but the supply and demand issues haven’t completely gone away. 3
Compounding Pharmacies Continue to Help
So, where do compounding pharmacies fit into all of this? When a drug is officially on the FDA’s shortage list, compounding pharmacies are allowed to create their own versions to help meet demand. These pharmacies can create compounded medications tailored to a patient’s needs when the brand-name version is hard to find. 4
In this case, compounding pharmacies are helping bridge the gap by producing compounded tirzepatide until the shortage is fully resolved. For many patients, these compounded versions ensure they don’t have to wait indefinitely for their treatment. And on top of that, compounded tirzepatide is often more affordable than the brand-name option, which is a huge help for people worried about high prescription costs. 5
But many people wonder: is compounded tirzepatide safe? The short answer is yes — compounding pharmacies follow strict guidelines to ensure that the medications they produce meet safety standards. However, patients should always verify that they’re working with a reputable pharmacy.
How Does This Impact Patients?
Allowing compounded tirzepatide back on the market is a significant step for patients who rely on the drug for managing diabetes or achieving their weight loss goals. With compounded versions available, patients don’t have to wait around for the brand-name drug to come back in stock. They can continue their treatment without interruption.
But as always, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Is Compounded Tirzepatide Safe?
So, is compounded tirzepatide safe? Yes, when sourced from a reputable pharmacy, compounded tirzepatide is considered safe. Licensed pharmacists adhere to strict protocols to ensure the quality and safety of the medications they produce. 4
However, it’s important to source your medication from a reputable place. Always choose a pharmacy with a strong reputation for quality and safety standards. If you’re ever in doubt, ask your doctor: is compounded tirzepatide safe for you, and should you switch to a compounded version if the brand-name drug isn’t available?
Affordability and Availability
One of the big draws of compounded tirzepatide is that it’s often more affordable than the brand-name version. For patients who have faced high prices for medications like Zepbound or Mounjaro, compounded tirzepatide provides a more cost-effective alternative. 5
But, as with any medication, affordability shouldn’t come at the expense of safety. Always ensure that the compounded tirzepatide you’re getting is made by a reputable pharmacy. It’s essential to find a balance between cost savings and making sure you’re receiving a quality product.
What’s Next for Tirzepatide Availability?
As drug manufacturers continue ramping up production to address the tirzepatide shortage, the situation will hopefully improve over time. But for now, compounded tirzepatide offers a practical solution for those who need the medication immediately.
Patients, pharmacists, and healthcare providers should keep an eye on FDA announcements regarding tirzepatide availability. And if you’re considering switching to a compounded version, make sure to ask: is compounded tirzepatide safe from this pharmacy? It’s important to make sure you choose a reputable pharmacy like mailMymeds for any compounded medication.
The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical conditions, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
