Why is Ozempic so hard to find in Metro Detroit? What can you do?

I wanted to share some key information with you regarding my special report on the fake Ozempic boom.

For those of you who have met with your doctors and have prescriptions for weight loss or anti-diabetic drugs like Ozempic, the challenging part can be actually finding them in stock here in Metro Detroit.

Here’s some helpful information from the FDA and a trusted local pharmacist about what you can do in the midst of an Ozempic shortage.

Find FDA approved weight loss drugs

Finding FDA-approved weight loss drugs can be difficult.

Currently, Zepbound, the weight-loss version of the antidiabetic drug tirzepatide, is the most difficult drug to obtain, according to the local pharmacist I interviewed for our special report on fake Ozempic drugs.

Demand for weight-loss prescriptions is unlike anything he’s ever seen for any drug — and he’s been in the business for decades. It’s just overwhelming. He gets dozens of calls every day from people in our area looking for Zepbound or Ozempic.

But the supply of all these drugs varies dramatically from day to day. Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic are all currently in shortage, according to the FDA’s drug shortage list. Click here to check the list, which is updated daily.

What to do in the conditions of drug shortages

Looking for weight loss remedies that are in short supply? Here are some top tips from the FDA:

• Start early. Patients taking medications such as Zepbound, Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro usually receive a one-month supply or four injection pens at a time. For better luck finding next month’s doses, pharmacists advise patients to start calling around at least a week or two before they need their next box of injections.

• Be flexible. Patients may need to call several pharmacies. Doctors’ offices are getting used to frequent emails and phone calls from patients asking for new prescriptions to be shipped to different locations, depending on which pharmacy might have the dose the patient needs.

• Try getting on a waiting list. Some pharmacies allow patients to be on a waiting list. With an active prescription, pharmacy staff will try daily to pick up the medication and will contact patients if they happen to receive a dose that the patient needs.

• Consider switching to a different drug. If patients are used to a particular medication and are not experiencing many side effects, most will want to stay with the same medication that works for them. But if a popular weight-loss drug isn’t available, doctors may encourage patients to switch to another medication to avoid a gap in treatment with that medication class.

Get to know your pharmacist

Pharmacist Monty Kamposh of Tel-12 Pharmacy in Southfield said it’s vital that you develop a bond and a professional relationship with your pharmacist. The more they know about your needs, the more likely they will be able to meet those needs. It’s all about communication.

While some of these smaller pharmacies work with their own representatives, larger chains like CVS and Walgreens may be more likely to get these drugs and keep them in stock.

Some local compounding pharmacies may be able to help, but the FDA has encouraged people seeking these drugs to stick with the name brands prescribed by their doctor.

Beware of drugs sold online. Weight loss drugs sold online, especially from unofficial sources, pose risks. There is concern about what you can inject into your body.

When it comes to your health, safety is key. This is why discussing any of these medical needs with a professional is essential.

Be sure to tune in to Local 4 and Local 4+ at 11pm on Monday 24 June. We are sharing a special report on the dangers of fake Ozempic and black market weight loss drugs.

—> Related: WHO and Eli Lilly warn patients not to fall for fake versions of popular weight loss drugs