Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a medication for type 2 diabetes. It also offers big weight loss benefits. It has become a vital tool in managing this chronic condition. However, 2024 has had major supply chain disruptions. They caused a widespread shortage of this critical drug. Patients and healthcare providers face these challenges. Knowing the root causes of the shortage is key. It is essential to fix the issue and ensure care for those in need.
This mid-year update aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing Mounjaro shortage. We will look at the causes behind the supply chain issues. These include manufacturing delays, high demand, and regulatory hurdles. Additionally, we will explore the shortage’s impacts on patients and healthcare providers. We will highlight the struggles they face in managing diabetes well. Finally, we will discuss other solutions. They can help lessen the crisis and make sure patients get the treatment they need.
Understanding the Mounjaro Shortage
The Mounjaro shortage began in early 2024. Initial reports showed it was sporadic and at pharmacies nationwide. By March, the shortage had gotten worse. It led to widespread concern among patients and healthcare providers. In April and May, the situation got worse. Many regions had big delays in getting their supplies. As of June 2024, the shortage has continued. It has prompted urgent talks among stakeholders. They aim to find and fix the underlying issues.
Potential Causes of the Shortage
Several factors have contributed to the ongoing Mounjaro shortage:
- Demand has increased. Mounjaro has two benefits: it helps manage type 2 diabetes and promotes weight loss. These benefits have led to a surge in demand. More patients seek out this drug. But, the supply struggles to keep up.
- Mounjaro faces manufacturing limits and delays. Making it involves complex processes. They are prone to various bottlenecks. Manufacturing facilities have had trouble scaling up production to meet high demand. This has led to delays and low supply.
- Disruptions have hit the global supply chain for raw materials needed for Mounjaro’s production. Factors cause these disruptions. They include geopolitical tensions, transportation issues, and shortages of critical parts. They have made the output challenges worse.
Impact of the Shortage on Patients
Difficulties in Obtaining Medication
The Mounjaro shortage has made it hard for diabetes patients to get their medication. Pharmacies often run out of stock. This forces patients to visit multiple locations to find their medication. This creates logistics challenges. It also causes stress and anxiety among patients. They rely on Mounjaro for effective diabetes management. Sometimes, patients may need to wait weeks for a new supply, leading to interruptions in their treatment regimen.
Potential Risks of Stopping Treatment
Abruptly stopping Mounjaro can pose serious health risks for patients with diabetes. The medication is crucial for regulating blood sugar. Stopping it can lead to high glucose. This increases the risk of complications. These include hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis, and other diabetes issues. Taking medicine on time is vital for preventing these bad outcomes. It shows the need to fix the shortage quickly.
Limited Options for Weight Loss
For individuals using Mounjaro for weight management, the shortage presents a significant setback. Mounjaro has helped with weight loss. But, its unavailability leaves patients with few options. This disruption can stall their progress. It can hurt their health and well-being. The lack of similar options makes it hard for them to keep their weight loss goals. This shows the broader impact of the Mounjaro shortage beyond diabetes management.
Coping with the Shortage: Communication and Alternatives
There are several different options for managing the shortages. Mounjaro and Zepbound users might switch to the 2.5 mg pen. This dosage is still available. Similarly, Wegovy users could go back to the 2.4 mg pen. These lower doses may not be ideal for long-term use. But, they can still help and offer benefits. They can also extend the effects until higher doses are available again. Another option is to switch to a different incretin drug, such as a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Other GLP-1 drugs include Ozempic (semaglutide), a weekly injection. They also include Rybelsus (semaglutide), a daily pill. There are also Victoza and Saxenda (liraglutide), daily injections. And Byetta (exenatide), injections taken twice a day. However, it’s important to note: that Novo Nordisk does not recommend switching to Saxenda. This is due to potential supply issues. They may not be able to meet the growing demand for weight loss drugs. Patients with diabetes must regularly talk openly with their doctors. This is crucial. Healthcare providers can offer guidance on managing the shortage. They can adjust treatment plans and make sure patients keep getting care. Doctors can also monitor patients’ health more closely during this time. This can reduce the risks of sudden medication changes.
How Long Will Mounjaro Be On Shortage?
Mounjaro Shortage 2024
The FDA recently said that the shortages of Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound will continue. They will last through at least June 2024.
New drugs for diabetes and weight loss, like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, are getting attention. They’re on doctors’ radar, in TV ads, and even with TikTok influencers. These drugs are known for their weight loss effects. They also improve blood sugar control and protect the heart and kidneys.
Due to the unprecedented demand for these medications, many are in limited supply. The latest FDA update indicates the shortages for Mounjaro and Zepbound will continue until at least June 2024. An earlier FDA announcement had noted that some doses would be in short supply until April 2024.
When Will The Mounjaro Shortage End In The US in 2024?
Eli Lilly Australia (Lilly) has recently informed the TGA that all doses of the Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) medication, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) vial, are now available at wholesalers in Australia, though in limited quantities. This supply constraint is due to higher-than-anticipated demand and is not related to any safety, efficacy, or quality issues with Mounjaro.
Few Mounjaro doses will be available. This is expected to last until 31 August 2024. You can find information on Mounjaro’s supply on the TGA’s medicines shortage reports. Healthcare professionals should consider the impact of limited product availability on patients. They should do this when making treatment decisions, especially for new patients.
Lilly is committed to replenishing all doses of Mounjaro in the future. We acknowledge the inconvenience these disruptions may cause. Thank you for your patience as we work to ensure Mounjaro is available in Australia. We are committed to providing Mounjaro for people with type 2 diabetes in Australia. Lilly is continuing to invest in and expand worldwide manufacturing. This is part of their commitment. We have started making incretin at our facility in North Carolina, U.S. We are also taking more actions and expanding at other sites worldwide.
How to Track Shortages and Supplies of GLP-1s
One effective way to check for medication shortages is by searching the FDA’s Drug Shortage List. When a shortage is listed on this database, it means the FDA knows about the supply issue. They are working with drug makers to fix it.
In May 2024, the telehealth company Ro introduced a free tracker. It is designed to help people stay updated on GLP-1 availability by drug type, dose, and location. This tracker is open-access. Anyone can report shortages or availability at specific pharmacies in their area. They can choose to submit these reports to the FDA. It is updated automatically throughout the day.
The tracker aggregates information from Ro’s supply data, user reports from across the U.S., and updates from the FDA. Users can sign up to get email alerts when a certain GLP-1 medication is available near them. They can also get alerts when its status changes on the FDA’s Drug Shortage List. These alerts apply to pharmacies within 100 miles of the user’s zip code. They include lists of pharmacies and information on how to transfer prescriptions between them.
How to Get a 3-Month Supply of Mounjaro
Mounjaro Coupons Available
To get 3 months of Mounjaro, start by asking your doctor. You need to make sure that 3 months is right for your treatment plan. Discuss any dosage requirements. Ask for a prescription that specifies the 3-month quantity. Once you have your prescription, visit 365 Script Care. It is an online pharmacy partner that can fulfill your order. Navigate to their website and place your order for the 3-month supply of Mounjaro. At checkout, use the Mounjaro coupon code 365MOUNJARO10OFF. It’ll give a discount on your buy. This method puts your medication at your fingertips. And, you get it at a reduced price. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. Stay informed about any updates to your treatment. Take control of your medication needs through efficient budgeting and planning.
When Will Mounjaro Be Available In Canada?
As of 2023, Mounjaro has come to the Canadian market. It comes in six convenient single-use vial doses: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg.
Health Canada recently approved Mounjaro. This happened in November 2023, after the phase 3 SURPASS program’s results. The approval was highlighted in a press release. It is based on findings that evaluated doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg. They looked at the doses alone. They also looked at the doses with other diabetes drugs. These include metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, sulfonylureas, and insulin glargine.
Participants in the SURPASS program cut their HbA1c levels by a lot. This shows that Mounjaro is effective. However, the study also revealed that at least 5% of patients had side effects. These included nausea, constipation, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Where Can I Buy Mounjaro
You can buy Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) from 365 Script Care. It is an online pharmacy partner that offers a cheap and easy way to handle your medication needs. First, consult your doctor to check that Mounjaro for weight loss is right for you. Get a prescription with the right dosage. Once you have your prescription, visit the 365 Script Care website to place your order for Mounjaro. 365 Script Care makes sure you get your medication on time and reliably. This helps you keep your treatment going without interruptions. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. Stay informed about updates or changes to your medication. Choose 365 Script Care. You can manage your health better. It ensures you have access to the drugs you need at a price you can afford.
Final Thought
The Mounjaro shortage is still a big challenge in 2024. It affects both diabetes patients and those using the medication for weight loss. This drug is critical, but there is not much of it. So, getting consistent treatment is hard. This has created health risks for many. The shortage continues. Patients and providers must understand it and explore options to lessen its impact.
Effective communication with doctors is crucial during this period. Patients should ask their healthcare providers about other treatment options. They can also ask about ways to manage their conditions. Staying informed about Mounjaro shortage updates is key. Use reliable sources, such as the FDA and official pharmacy partners. They will help patients navigate this tough time. By working together and staying proactive. Patients can keep getting the care they need. This is despite the current supply constraints.
Disclaimer
This article is for information only. It is not medical advice. Ask your doctor about the Mounjaro shortage and ask about other medications. Also, ask about managing your diabetes and your weight loss plan.
