Scott Weaver
Updated at: November 26, 2024 · 7 min read
Mounjaro Shortage UK: Explaining the Short Supply of the Weight Loss Injection Pen
Update: At the time of writing there was a short supply of this medication. Please note that supply may have changed since. For the latest information please refer to the manufacturer website.
Are you currently a weight loss patient who has been prescribed Mounjaro? If so, we have some important updates to share regarding the weight loss injection.
Mounjaro Shortage 2024
Currently, there's a global shortage of glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) like Mounjaro (Bloomberg UK, 2024; Reuters, 2024). But don't worry, UK Meds are on hand to guide you through it.
Key Takeaways
Increased Demand is Driving the Shortage
A global surge in demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists like Mounjaro (tirzepatide), spurred by its effectiveness for weight loss and diabetes management, has led to supply challenges. Media coverage and shortages of alternatives like Wegovy and Ozempic have further increased demand for Mounjaro.
Support and Alternatives are Available
If you're affected by the shortage, UK Meds can guide you through alternative treatment options or management plans. Consult your healthcare provider to discuss suitable substitutes tailored to your needs while staying informed about updates from the manufacturer.
Stopping Treatment is Safe, but Maintenance is Key
Stopping Mounjaro won’t cause withdrawal symptoms or side effects, but weight regain is possible without lifestyle changes. Sustaining weight loss through balanced eating, regular exercise, proper hydration, and goal-setting can help maintain progress during treatment gaps. Always consult your doctor for personalised advice.
Why is there a shortage of Mounjaro?
Increased Demand
The shortage is due in part to the increased demand for the drug semaglutide, known by its brand names Ozempic and Wegovy (both now available in the UK), which has led to shortages of these medications, leading patients to search for alternative diabetes and obesity treatments such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Saxenda (liraglutide).
Media Coverage
Thanks to widespread media coverage, more people are discovering the benefits of GLP-1 RA treatments for weight loss.
As a result, many are turning to Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and this sudden surge in demand has outpaced the supply (Diabetes UK, 2024).
When will the supply issues improve?
An Update from Eli Lilly and Company
Eli Lilly and Company, the company behind Mounjaro (tirzepatide), has said that Mounjaro supply chain challenges may persist through 2024.
Update as of 31/10/2024:
The global shortage situation for Mounjaro is improving as of the latest update by manufacturer Eli Lilly:
There are currently no shortages in place for Mounjaro in the multi-use KwikPen presentation. The vial presentation of Mounjaro is unavailable except in the 5mg dose (1). Information on supply of Mounjaro vials is available on the Therapeutic Goods Administration TGA medicines shortage reports database.
Lilly is committed to ongoing replenishment of all doses of the Mounjaro KwikPen presentation. As part of our commitment to supplying Mounjaro in Australia, Lilly continues to invest and add manufacturing capacity around the world. We have commenced incretin production at our manufacturing facility in North Carolina, in the U.S., with additional actions and expansions at other sites around the globe.
We're actively collaborating with Eli Lilly and Company to secure more stock for our patients and are doing all we can to ensure a continuous supply of medication for those patients who need it.
Which drugs are impacted by the short supply of GLP-1 RA medications?
The current shortages are expected to impact the availability of all GLP-1 RA medications, including:
Saxenda
Ozempic
Wegovy
Byetta
Victoza
Trulicity
Bydureon
Rybelsus
What can I do if the Mounjaro shortage affects me?
If you're a Mounjaro user and the shortage affects you, don't worry; UK Meds is here to support you. You can still complete an online weight loss consultation with us as you would normally. However, due to the shortages, it might be necessary to consider a different weight loss medication or management plan.
Consult your doctor or healthcare professional to discuss your options prior to starting any treatment as they can advise you on the most appropriate medication for your individual requirements.
Stay informed by signing up for email alerts, and rest assured that UK Meds is doing all we can to ensure a constant supply of all medications that our patients need.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to the UK Meds team. Your well-being is our priority.
Mounjaro Shortage FAQs
Our customers have been in touch asking some common questions about the Mounjaro shortage, including:
Should I reduce the dose of Mounjaro I take to make it last longer?
We would recommend taking the dose of the Mounjaro injection that your prescriber recommended. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider if you are unsure about the most appropriate dose of Mounjaro to take.
Does stopping Mounjaro treatment suddenly cause any side effects?
Stopping treatment with Mounjaro weight loss injections suddenly will not cause any side effects, so you shouldn’t worry if you find that you’ve run out of your supply of the medication. Mounjaro is not an addictive medication so you will not experience withdrawal symptoms. You should consult your healthcare provider or doctor if your supply of Mounjaro has run out and you require a suitable alternative weight loss treatment.
Should I expect the price of Mounjaro to change whilst there is a shorter supply of the medication?
Yes, during this time, the price of Mounjaro may change based on the supply of the medication available in the market currently. UK Meds customers can rest assured that we are doing everything we can to ensure that you receive a fair price.
Will I put weight back on if I stop taking Mounjaro?
If you don't actively take steps to maintain your weight loss you may regain weight that you have lost since starting treatment with Mounjaro. Simple lifestyle choices can help you to sustain weight loss including:
Limiting consumption of less healthy foods (NIH, 2022)
Participating in physical activities that you enjoy (Hall and Kahan, 2018)
Eating at the right times of the day (Kim, J., 2020)
Intermittent fasting (Welton et al, 2020)
Getting good sleep (Kline et al, 2021)
Monitoring the macronutrients and calories that you eat (Willoughby et al, 2018)
Plant-based diets (Turner-McGrievy et al, 2017)
Staying well hydrated (Thornton, S., 2016)
Set weight loss goals to keep you on track (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2023)
It is important to note that the above are only suggestions and that not all strategies will be appropriate for you. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best way to lose weight sustainably and safely for your individual needs.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
LinkedIn
Website
Sources
Update on Stock Availability of Mounjaro®(tirzepatide) - Eli Lilly and Company
Diabetes UK - Our Response to Serious Supply Issues of Drugs for People Living with Type 2 Diabetes
Mounjaro Kwikpen Approved By MHRA For Treating Type 2 Diabetes - Diabetes UK
FDA website shows limited availability of some doses of Lilly's Mounjaro - Reuters
Eli Lilly’s Diabetes Drug Mounjaro in Short Supply Again as Demand Surges - Bloomberg UK
EMC (Electronic Medicines Compendium) - Mounjaro KwikPen (Tirzepatide) Product Information
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