When will Wegovy be available? An update on this scarce GLP-1's availability

Unsurprisingly, there’s been a difficult shortage of the prescription weight loss drug Wegovy. It’s true, Wegovy availability has been mighty limited in the United States. The manufacturer, Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, couldn’t keep up with the skyrocketing demand and failed to foresee this when it prepared for the drug’s release. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the once-weekly injection for weight control in 2021, and interest soared when people learned about the unprecedented weight loss results. 

This shortfall was partly due to the enormous presence Wegovy had on social media. Its success in weight management spread like wildfire on TikTok and Instagram reels, with celebrities praising it. Influencers and people just like us needing it also joined in—making demand even higher. Consequently, this sparked a year-long Wegovy supply problem.

The supply chain couldn’t keep up, leaving empty shelves at pharmacies and, more importantly, leaving those with obesity or overweight who used Wegovy or needed a Wegovy prescription scrambling for other options. 

So, if you’re here, you’re most definitely asking when Wegovy will be available. We’re here to help answer that. Let’s dive in. 

When will Wegovy be available?

Novo Nordisk announced around New Year last year that it’d have Wegovy available by the end of 2022, but that prediction fell a little short. However, on December 28, 2022, the manufacturer announced all dose strengths of Wegovy are available in pharmacies nationwide. Keep in mind that its availability depends on where you live and if there’s a local distribution center.

Are there Wegovy alternatives I can use for weight loss?

The short answer: yes. Wegovy availability has proven to be up in the air, but other options are available. 

What’s especially effective about Wegovy is how it functions.  It’s a part of the medication class called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s). GLP-1s work by mimicking the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone in your body that increases insulin secretions, helping lower blood sugar levels, and slowing digestion, keeping you feeling full longer. All of these factors contribute to helping you lose weight.

But, Wegovy isn’t the only drug in the GLP-1 medication class. Ozempic and Rybelsus are also GLP-1s and are both FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Health care professionals can prescribe these drugs off-label for weight loss — they share the same active ingredient as Wegovy, semaglutide. 

Liraglutide, known under its brand name Saxenda, is another GLP-1 FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related medical problem or those with a BMI of 30 or greater. 

Then there’s tirzepatide, which goes by the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound and is the first-ever GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist drug. Mounjaro is only FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. However, Zepbound has received FDA approval for weight loss. 

GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications do have some known potential side effects. The most common are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and acid reflux. More serious but less common side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and worsening of diabetic eye disease. And those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasias should not use them. Find detailed side effect and risk information for specific medications by name on our dedicated medication page.

How do I get a prescription for weight loss medication?

Once you meet with a Found health care provider, they will work with you to determine if you are clinically eligible for weight loss medication and help you with the best course of treatment for you individually. Prescriptions are written at a medical provider's discretion.

Of course, when prescribing a new drug, your health care provider will account for your medical history, current medications, and lifestyle to address any side effects and determine the best fit for you.

To start your journey with Found, take our quiz.

GLP-1*

GLP-1 prescriptions, filled through your local pharmacy, are now available as part of Found's weight-loss toolkit. While GLP-1s are effective for weight loss, they are not clinically appropriate for everyone. Eligibility for a GLP-1 is based on a thorough evaluation of your medical history, eating behavior, lab work, and insurance coverage. If a GLP-1 is not appropriate for you, our providers will work with you to determine an effective medication for your health profile.

About Found

Found is among the largest medically-supported weight care clinics in the country, serving more than 250,000 members to date. To start your journey with Found, take our quiz.