How to find Wegovy® or Ozempic® in stock: Tips and alternatives

What you’ll learn:   

• The surge in demand for Wegovy^® and Ozempic^® has led to widespread shortages, leaving many unable to fill their prescriptions.
• Despite current shortages, there are multiple ways to find Wegovy^® and Ozempic^®, including checking with various pharmacies and using online stock tools. 
• Noom Med can help you explore alternative GLP-1 medications, including compounded semaglutide—an affordable and accessible alternative with the same active ingredient.  

Finding Wegovy^®  and Ozempic^® in stock feels like a rarity these days. Pharmacies routinely sell out as production struggles to keep up with what people need. This shortage stems from an incredible surge in demand for both, leaving many people with prescriptions they can’t fill. 

So, what’s behind their popularity? Wegovy^® and Ozempic^® are GLP-1 receptor agonists, meaning they mimic a hormone called GLP-1 that helps regulate appetite. These medications slow the speed at which your stomach empties, helping you feel less hungry. They contain the active ingredient semaglutide. Semaglutide can help people lose an average of 15% of their body weight over 16 months—a level of effectiveness that has made these medications highly sought-after. (FYI: Wegovy^® is FDA-approved for weight loss, while Ozempic^® can be prescribed off-label for weight loss.)

If you want to start or continue taking Wegovy^® or Ozempic^®, don’t let shortages stall your progress. We’ll share some tips for locating them once you have a prescription from your doctor. 

If you’re still struggling to find it or need a more affordable option, see if you qualify for Noom Med. We’ll pair you with a qualified clinician who can discuss alternatives and, if appropriate, prescribe the right medication for you.

What is causing the shortage of Wegovy^® and Ozempic^®?

Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Wegovy^® and Ozempic^®, has been facing issues producing enough of these medications due to their incredible popularity. 

New prescriptions for Wegovy^® reportedly quadrupled in just a year. Reports say that more than 25,000 people are starting it each week! 

While the company is working to boost production, it is still struggling. Novo Nordisk says it has been focusing on producing higher doses to ensure that people who have been taking these medications for a while can continue to find them. People who are on lower starting doses are more likely to have issues locating them in stock. 

How to find Wegovy^® or Ozempic^® near me

Start by checking out the Novo Nordisk website for the latest updates on availability across the U.S. You can also use resources like the FDA drug shortages list and a Noom Med clinician to stay informed.

To track down Wegovy^® or Ozempic^®, consider these steps:

• Call local pharmacies: Check both major chains and local stores. Some might have stock or can place special orders for you.
• Expand your search area: Look into pharmacies in nearby towns or cities.
• Join online communities: Engage with fellow users in weight loss forums, where they often share success stories and insights.
• Give yourself more time for refills: If you’ve gotten Wegovy^® or Ozempic^® before, contact your pharmacy about refills earlier than usual to give them more time to get the medication.
• Be specific about dose: When filling your prescription or checking availability, be specific about which dose you need. Most pharmacies manage multiple dose strengths and may need to order yours.

Use online tools and delivery services

Your smartphone can be a valuable tool in your search. Here’s how to leverage online resources:

• Medication finder websites: Use sites like GoodRx or SingleCare to check availability at local pharmacies.
• Download pharmacy apps: Major chains often have apps that provide real-time stock updates and alerts. Some pharmacy apps let you set up notifications to alert you when a medication or generic equivalent is in stock. 

What to do if Wegovy^® or Ozempic^® are out of stock: Exploring alternatives

Still running into roadblocks finding your medication? Take a deep breath—there’s a way forward! While doses of both medicines are slowly becoming available again after months of shortages, supplies remain limited. 

Instead of feeling frustrated, discuss alternatives with your clinician. Here are some other medications to consider:

Alternative GLP-1 medications and what they cost

If your medication isn’t available, several alternative options could take its place. Ask your clinician about the following:

• Compounded semaglutide through Noom GLP-1^Rx: Our compounded semaglutide features the same active ingredient as Wegovy^® and Ozempic^® but is readily accessible and could be more budget-friendly. If you qualify for Noom Med, you’ll be connected with a clinician who can prescribe it, all online. Then, you’ll pay $149 to start, and medication will be delivered right to your door. 
• Oral semaglutide: Rybelsus^® is another option. It is semaglutide in pill form with similar benefits. It is FDA-approved to manage diabetes and can be prescribed off-label for weight loss. Ryblesus^® costs the same as Ozempic^®, about $970 per month without insurance. Wegovy® costs about $1,350 without insurance.

• Tirzepatide medications: Zepbound^® and Mounjaro^® contain the active ingredient tirzepatide, which works similarly to semaglutide. Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss, while Mounjaro can be prescribed off-label. They will cost about $1,350 per month without insurance.
• Other GLP-1 medications: While medications containing semaglutide and tirzepatide are generally the most effective, there are others that can help you lose weight. Your Noom Med clinician can help you explore the alternatives. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have issues finding the medication you need. 

Achieving your weight loss goals with Noom

Navigating the Wegovy^® and Ozempic^® shortage can feel frustrating, but it’s important to remember that you’re not without options. You can stay on course with your weight loss journey by exploring alternatives like compounded semaglutide or other GLP-1 medications. If you qualify for Noom Med, our clinicians will help you find the way forward. Plus, you’ll benefit from Noom’s coaching and tracking tools to keep you motivated every step of the way.

Combining GLP-1 medications with psychology-based support and habit-building strategies sets you up for lasting change. Studies show that people who used a GLP-1 with Noom Med lost up to 48% more weight!^†

Explore how Noom Med can empower you to reach your weight loss goals, even when your first-choice medication is hard to find. Your journey to a healthier you is just beginning!

^† Based on a retrospective study of self-reported data of pounds lost for active versus passive users who were offered the Noom program when being prescribed an early-stage GLP-1.

*Compounded semaglutide available on the Noom platform is produced in an FDA-registered facility but not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality.

Note: Ozempic^® is not FDA-approved to treat obesity or for weight loss.