Imagine needing a life-changing medication only to find that it’s nearly impossible to get or that it won’t come in for another six months—that’s the reality for many patients who rely on tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes or weight loss.
Tirzepatide is a GLP-1 medication that is skyrocketing in popularity because of its recent approval as a weight management drug for adults. This has led to unprecedented demand for the products which are marketed as Mounjaro and Zepbound.
But the first rule of economics teaches us that such high demand must be accompanied by a sufficient supply of a product—otherwise, there will be shortages and probably a lot of public outcry.
So, what’s a person to do when the pharmacy says they’re all out? During supply shortages, a tirzepatide user’s best bet is often the compounded version of the drug, which may be more affordable and readily available.
In this case, the compounded version is often formulated as tirzepatide oral sublingual tablets to meet specific patient needs, especially during shortages. We’ll take you through all the ins and outs of sublingual tirzepatide so that you can decide if it’s right for you—especially when the medication is in such high demand.
The FDA’s Shifting Tirzepatide Policy
The truth is that while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aids in safeguarding public health, it also plays a big role in supply shortages. In fact, they monitor supply and declare drug shortages that allow compounding pharmacies to make substitute versions of tirzepatide to fill the gaps.
In October 2024, the FDA decided to remove tirzepatide from the drug shortage list, which severely limited those compounding pharmacies’ ability to help keep up the supply of the drug.
However, just five days later, a compounding trade group filed a lawsuit to challenge the FDA’s decision to remove tirzepatide from the list, citing ongoing access issues by consumers across the country.
So, the FDA reversed its stance in mid-October, allowing compounders to continue temporarily. That means that compounded tirzepatide supply is stable for now, but all of these policy shifts impact patient access to the drug and its affordability.
Why Sublingual Tirzepatide Is Valuable During Shortages
Compounded tirzepatide is available in many forms, but one of the most promising is the sublingual version, which is taken under the tongue in the form of tablets or even sublingual tirzepatide drops.
Sublingual tirzepatide could be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to injectable versions like Mounjaro or Zepbound. Sublingual tirzepatide allows direct absorption into the bloodstream and removes the need for needles for consumers who react poorly to injections. Plus, sublingual versions eliminate the need for refrigeration, making them much more practical for many patients.
Sublingual tirzepatide could be the solution for patients who are unable to access injectables, particularly during expensive supply issues. Producing alternatives like this enables compounding pharmacies to step in and more easily to make the drug available to many consumers.
But it’s worth noting that while its supply is generally high, sublingual versions might not be available everywhere, and you may still face shortage issues.
Considerations for Sublingual Compounding
Compounded medications, including sublingual tirzepatide, aren’t subject to the same rigorous testing that brand-name drugs face from the FDA. Those FDA-approved medications undergo quite extensive clinical trials to evaluate their safety and effectiveness.
Compounded medications are often criticized for not going through such large-scale trials, creating a regulatory grey area. It’s true that the quality and consistency of compounded drugs can vary depending on the manufacturer’s practices.
To ensure your safety, only choose reputable compounding pharmacies, verifying their credentials before purchasing or consuming their compounded oral tirzepatide.
Additionally, seek the advice of your healthcare provider before switching to a compounded version of tirzepatide.
Steps You Can Take Amid Shortages
Amid the uncertainty of a shortage, you still have a variety of options for getting your hands on the tirzepatide you need. Consider the compounded alternatives to name-brand products, including sublingual tirzepatide, as a way to stay consistent.
You can be a proactive consumer by staying informed about FDA updates and weighing the benefits and risks of compounded options. As you work with your doctors to determine the best course of action, you can better navigate the emotional toll of shortages. Solutions like compounded tirzepatide provide the hope that many need when supply is low.
Wrapping It Up
The recent tirzepatide shortage has revealed a much broader issue in pharmaceutical distribution and the accessibility of drugs to the consumers who need them most.
You may be wondering, “How can I get Mounjaro for weight loss during a shortage?” As long as supply chain issues abound and regulations limit production, innovations like sublingual tablets and drops can help bridge the tirzepatide gap. They can save the day as convenient and more accessible solutions.
