The current Mounjaro supply situation
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been approved for management of type 2 diabetes since its introduction to the Australian market in 2023. We approved its use for chronic weight management in September 2024.
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has advised us that a new presentation (or version) of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is now available in Australia. The new presentation is a multi-dose, pre-filled pen (KwikPen) containing the same dosage amounts as the pre-existing Mounjaro vials (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg). This KwikPen is also approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.
Eli Lilly has also informed us that all strengths of Mounjaro vials will continue to be limited until the end of 2024 and into 2025 due to an unexpected increase in demand. Availability of the 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg of Mounjaro vials is expected to vary over this time. We recommend that patients and healthcare professionals check the Medicine Shortage Reports Database for the latest supply status of the strength they need.
It is not known what impact the introduction of Mounjaro KwikPen and the new indication for chronic weight management will have on the overall availability of Mounjaro products.
To help patients during the shortage of Mounjaro vials, we have approved the temporary supply of an overseas-registered tirzepatide product, Mounjaro KwikPen (UK), under section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. More information and the contact details of suppliers are available on the Section 19A approvals database.
We recommend that patients who are unable to fill their script for the correct strength or presentation of Mounjaro in time for their next dose should contact their doctor immediately to have their treatment plan reassessed.
Mounjaro KwikPen cannot be dispensed using a prescription for the vial presentation, so patients swapping to the KwikPen will need a new prescription.
We will continue to monitor the supply of Mounjaro products and publish updates from Eli Lilly on the Medicine Shortage Reports Database.
Stay up to date
The worldwide shortage of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is closely related to the high global demand for other similar medicines such as Ozempic (semaglutide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide). We are working with the pharmaceutical companies supplying these products to minimise the impact on patients.
Mounjaro is manufactured by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly.
We recognise the importance of Mounjaro for patients and we are taking this shortage very seriously.
This page is updated when information changes or is added.
Facts about Mounjaro
Mounjaro is a brand of the medicine called tirzepatide. Mounjaro:
- is supplied by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly
- is a weekly injection
- is an antidiabetic medicine that is different to insulin
- is approved by the TGA for treating adults with type 2 diabetes as well as for chronic weight management in certain patient groups, in association with diet and exercise
- is not subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
You can read more about Mounjaro in the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).
Why the Mounjaro shortage has happened
In November 2023, Eli Lilly told the TGA there was a shortage of Mounjaro due to an unexpected increase in demand.
This increase in demand is closely related to the shortage of other similar medicines, such as Ozempic and Trulicity.
What the TGA is doing about the Mounjaro shortage
The TGA's role in medicine shortages is to reduce the impact on patients where possible. In the Mounjaro shortage, we:
- approved a suitable overseas medicine that can be used temporarily
- are liaising closely with Eli Lilly and communicating updates on the Medicine Shortage Reports Database.
You can read more about how the TGA manages medicine shortages in the information for consumers section of our website.
What the TGA can’t do in a medicine shortage
As pharmaceutical companies are private entities, the TGA can’t force them to make or supply medicines in Australia. The TGA also can’t force them to list their medicines on the PBS or redirect stock from other markets.
Overseas-registered Mounjaro is available
The TGA has approved the supply of an overseas-registered tirzepatide product temporarily under section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
Pharmacists can find out how to order this product by searching the Section 19A approvals database.
What to do if you can’t get Mounjaro
As there will be limited Mounjaro vials available in Australia until 31 August 2025, we recommend that patients who are unable to fill their script in time for their next dose should contact their doctor immediately to have their treatment plan reassessed.
The new Mounjaro KwikPen cannot be dispensed using a prescription for the vial presentation, so patients switching to the KwikPen will need a new prescription.
When will the Mounjaro shortage end?
The TGA is getting regular updates about the availability of Mounjaro from Eli Lilly, and we will update this page immediately when the information changes. You can also check the Medicine Shortage Reports Database.