About the shortage of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) vials
Key information from our medicine shortage alerts on Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is summarised here. We will update this page as we get new information.
The current Mounjaro supply situation
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly supplies Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in two forms, as injectable vials and as multi-dose pre-filled pens (KwikPens). The following shortage information only applies to the vials.
Eli Lilly has informed us that all strengths of Mounjaro vials are now unavailable until 31 August 2025.
We recommend that prior to requiring their next dose, patients who use Mounjaro vials should contact their doctor immediately to have their treatment plan reassessed.
To help patients during the shortage of Mounjaro vials, we have approved the temporary supply of overseas-registered tirzepatide products under section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. More information and the contact details of the supplier are available on the Section 19A approvals database.
Eli Lilly has also advised us that the new presentation (or version) of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is still 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.
At present, there are no reported supply issues with any strength of Mounjaro KwikPens.
Please note that both Mounjaro KwikPens and the overseas-registered tirzepatide products cannot be dispensed using a prescription for the vial presentation, so patients requiring these products 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 shortage of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) vials 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.
We recognise the importance of Mounjaro for patients and we are taking the shortage of Mounjaro vials 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 approved by us 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 vial shortage has happened
In November 2023, Eli Lilly told us there was a shortage of Mounjaro vials due to an unexpected increase in demand.
This increase in demand was closely related to the shortage of other similar medicines, such as Ozempic and Trulicity.
For more information about this, you can call Eli Lilly Australia on 1800 454 559.
What we are doing about the Mounjaro vial shortage
Our role in medicine shortages is to reduce the impact on patients where possible. During the Mounjaro vial 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 we manage medicine shortages in the information for consumers section of our website.
What we can’t do in a medicine shortage
As pharmaceutical companies are private entities, we can’t force them to make or supply medicines in Australia. We also can’t force them to list their medicines on the PBS or redirect stock from other markets.
What to do if you can’t get Mounjaro vials
As all strengths of Mounjaro vials will be unavailable in Australia until 31 August 2025, we recommend that patients should contact their doctor immediately prior to requiring their next dose 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.
Overseas-registered Mounjaro is available
The TGA has approved the supply of overseas-registered tirzepatide KwikPen products 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.
Please note the overseas-registered tirzepatide KwikPen products cannot be dispensed using a prescription for the vial presentation, so patients will need a new prescription for these products.
When will the Mounjaro vial shortage end?
We are getting regular updates about the availability of Mounjaro from Eli Lilly, and we will update this page when the information changes. You can also check the Medicine Shortage Reports Database.