Millions of people started on compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide during the shortages. The shortages are over, the compounding window closed in 2025 — here's the official timeline, and how to make the switch without losing ground.
Verified Aug 11, 2026Quick answer: mass-compounded GLP-1s ended when FDA declared the shortages resolved and the grace periods lapsed (final deadline May 22, 2025). The switch to brand is routine — but the dose mapping isn't one-to-one, so your prescriber sets the starting pen strength.
Compounded "copies" of brand drugs are only broadly allowed while FDA lists the drug as in shortage. Both listings ended, on these dates.
December 19, 2024
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) came off the shortage list first. Compounding it was only broadly permitted because of the shortage, so this started the clock.
February 21, 2025
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) followed. FDA announced grace periods so patients weren't cut off overnight.
February–March 2025
Enforcement discretion ended for compounding pharmacies (February 19) and larger outsourcing facilities (March 19).
April–May 2025
The same two deadlines for semaglutide: April 22 for compounding pharmacies, May 22 for outsourcing facilities. Since then, mass-producing compounded versions of these drugs hasn't been permitted.
Three steps, in order — the first one is the safety-critical one.
Compounded products came in vials and doses that don't line up one-to-one with the fixed pen strengths of brand products, and some included additives the brands don't. Your prescriber chooses the starting pen strength — often not the top dose you were taking — based on where you are in treatment and how you tolerated it.
If your compounded prescription came from a telehealth service, ask whether they prescribe the brand products — many switched their patients over during 2025. Otherwise any prescriber can write it: the drugs themselves are in normal supply.
Compounded pricing pulled many people away from insurance entirely — but plans change, and both manufacturers now sell direct to self-pay patients at published prices. Check your formulary first, then compare the official self-pay programs before assuming brand is out of reach.
This page summarizes FDA regulatory actions and their published dates. It is not medical or legal advice — dosing decisions during a product switch belong with your prescriber.