Semaglutide shortage – what you need to know
We want to make sure you have the latest information about the upcoming changes to compounded semaglutide availability and how it may affect your care plan. Below are answers to common questions to help you make informed decisions about your treatment. If you have additional questions, you can always reach out to your clinician.
FAQs
When there is a shortage of a medication, like Ozempic and Wegovy (which contain semaglutide), the FDA allows compounding pharmacies to create the same medication until the shortage is resolved.
The FDA has recently stated that there is now enough supply of the FDA-approved name brand medications, so compounding pharmacies are no longer permitted to create compounded semaglutide. As a result:
- The pharmacy Evernow uses, Curexa, will no longer be able to dispense injectable compounded semaglutide after April 20, 2025.
- After this date, new prescriptions for compounded semaglutide will not be available.
There are several options available:
- Pre-order a 90-day supply before April 20
If you are on a multi-month membership, you can secure a 90-day supply before the deadline. You’ll need to confirm your interest with Evernow by March 20, 2025. - Switch to a name-brand medication
NovoNordisk offers Wegovy for $499/month (cash pay) through their pharmacy. You can also switch to tirzepatide (active ingredient in Zepbound) for $349–$499/month depending on the strength. - Explore alternative medications
Evernow is working to offer additional weight loss options, which may include:- Liraglutide – A daily GLP-1 injection that shows about 5% weight loss.
- Bupropion/naltrexone – The active ingredients in Contrave, available as a compounded medication.
Compounded sublingual semaglutide – An alternative delivery method for semaglutide.
If you are currently taking compounded semaglutide and are interested in a 90-day supply:
- Confirm with Evernow by March 20, 2025.
- If you are titrating up, discuss the next step with your clinician before ordering.
- Payment for the medication will be due upfront.
After the 90-day supply ends, you have a few options:
- Switch to a name-brand medication (like Wegovy or Zepbound)
- Switch to liraglutide or a compound with bupropion/naltrexone
- Explore new compounded medications as Evernow works with our pharmacy partners to offer alternatives
Compounding pharmacies have sued the FDA over its decision to remove semaglutide from the shortage list. Until there is a judicial ruling, the FDA will not take action against compounders continuing to dispense semaglutide.
This means there is a possibility that compounded semaglutide could become available again in the future — but there is no guarantee.
Unopened semaglutide vials should be stored in the refrigerator and typically have a best use date (BUD) of about one year.
Yes, you can order your current dose or increase to the next step if you and your clinician decide to adjust your care plan.
The cost of your compounded semaglutide varies by the step you are in:
- Step 1: $465
- Step 2: $540
- Step 3: $675
- Step 4: $825
- Step 5: $900
If you have any questions about pricing, feel free to reach out to Evernow Support.
We need to know by March 20, 2025 if you would like to secure a 90-day supply.
The 90-day supply option is only available to members on a multi-month membership. If you’re interested in switching, reach out to Evernow Support to update your plan.
You can explore the options listed above, including switching to a name-brand medication or exploring Evernow’s alternative medications. Your clinician will help guide you through the best next steps.
- If you’d like to secure a 90-day supply or discuss your options, contact your clinician or reach out to Evernow Support.
- Confirm your interest by March 20, 2025.
- Evernow is here to support you through this transition — we’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.