What to do if Saxenda is in shortage — for Japan
Drug shortages happen periodically — manufacturing issues, supply chain disruptions, regulatory holds — and Saxenda (Liraglutide) may become temporarily unavailable in some pharmacies or countries. For chronic users at 6 mg/mL, knowing how to handle a shortage prevents unnecessary treatment interruption.
Japan context
Drug shortages in Japan are tracked by PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) when significant. For Saxenda, shortage of one strength or one manufacturer rarely means total unavailability of Liraglutide — authorised generics or alternative manufacturers usually fill the gap, with the pharmacist coordinating substitution and the prescriber confirming any formulation change at 6 mg/mL.
- Regulator
- PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency)
- Currency
- JPY
How shortages work for Saxenda
When Saxenda is in shortage, the pharmacist usually has several options: dispense an authorised generic of Liraglutide, source from a different manufacturer of the same active ingredient, suggest a different formulation (e.g. liquid, dispersible) or, in extended shortages, ask the prescriber to consider an alternative Diabetes Treatment agent. Saxenda acts on the GLP-1 receptor in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract to reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying and increase satiety.
Practical steps
According to general pharmacy practice, the first step in a Saxenda shortage is to ask the pharmacist about authorised generic availability — most shortages affect a single brand or strength, not the entire supply of Liraglutide at 6 mg/mL. The prescriber should be informed if the pharmacist needs to substitute or change formulation. Stockpiling or buying extra outside regulated channels is not the right response.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if my pharmacy doesn't have Saxenda? ▾
Ask the pharmacist whether an authorised generic of Liraglutide is available — usually yes — or whether another pharmacy in the area has stock of Saxenda at 6 mg/mL. The pharmacist can also contact the prescriber if a formulation switch is needed.
Will Saxenda come back in stock? ▾
Most shortages are resolved within weeks to months as manufacturing or supply issues are fixed. Until then, the authorised generic of Liraglutide is the standard alternative and is clinically equivalent to Saxenda at the same 6 mg/mL strength.
What to do if Saxenda is in shortage in other countries
- the United StatesFDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- the United KingdomMHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
- SpainAEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios)
- MexicoCOFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios)
- ArgentinaANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica)
- GermanyBfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte)
- FranceANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé)
- ItalyAIFA (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco)
- BrazilANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.