Shortage
A national shortage means too little medicine across the country.
When medicine is in short supply nationally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) keeps a shortage listing. An empty shelf at your pharmacy does not establish a national shortage.
Follow the supply finding through time
Why a care offer mentions it
A national shortage can open exceptions to the restrictions on compounded copies.
- Ask whether the offer refers to the national list or a local stock problem.
- Ask which product and date support the explanation.
The tirzepatide finding changed
After a further review, the FDA confirmed on December 19, 2024 that the tirzepatide injection shortage had ended. On September 26, 2026, tirzepatide had no entry on the FDA’s national shortage list.
- Ordinary compounding pharmacies had until February 18, 2025 to stop relying on the shortage as a reason to make tirzepatide copies.
- Businesses registered with the FDA to make batches, called outsourcing facilities, had until March 19, 2025.
- These batch makers often supply hospitals and clinics.
Ask about the present basis
An old shortage explanation leaves a current question unanswered.
- If compounding is proposed, ask what specific basis applies to that prescription now.
- Ask how the explanation relates to your need, the product, and the pharmacy.