What it means
The FDA tracks medicines whose supply does not meet national demand. When a drug is listed as in shortage, federal compounding rules allow pharmacies and outsourcing facilities more room to make copies of it.
Tirzepatide and semaglutide were on the list during 2022 to 2024, which is when compounded versions spread widely. The FDA announced the tirzepatide shortage resolved in October 2024, confirmed after a second review in December 2024, and announced the semaglutide shortage resolved in February 2025. It gave compounders short grace periods to wind down.
Once a shortage ends, copying an approved drug becomes much more limited, although compounding for a documented individual medical need is still possible.
A drug being "available" in the database reflects reported supply. Local pharmacy stock can still run short, so call ahead after a dose change.
Why it matters
The shortage list explains why compounded GLP-1 options grew and then shrank between 2022 and 2025.