Ozempic

A number of medications used to decrease blood glucose levels in persons with type 2 diabetes are now in short supply across the world.

Ozempic, which includes the active component semaglutide, is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It has, however, swiftly gained popularity as a celebrity slimming injection, with internet pharmacies prescribing it "off-label" for people looking to drop weight.


Diabetes medication scarcity

However, the demand for Ozempic and related treatments as weight reduction medications have led to a diabetic medication shortage, with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) estimating that supplies of such medications will not be restored until at least mid-2024.

"We are urging clinicians to follow new Department for Health and Social Care guidance that states clinicians should not prescribe these drugs outside of their licensed use until supply issues are resolved," Diabetes UK added.


The DHSC stated that while such off-label medication is allowed and done at the prescriber's discretion, it is strongly discouraged.
In order to safeguard the supply for diabetic patients, it noted, "The guidance is clear that these medicines should only be prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes."

It has cautioned clinicians not to start new patients on medications like Ozempic and warned that shortages of such medications might have major clinical repercussions for people with type 2 diabetes.

Experts and patients are now demanding an end to the off-label use of medications like Ozempic and others with type 2 diabetes licenses.

Although Semaglutide's Wegovy brand has just received approval for weight loss, it has not yet been introduced in the UK. Wegovy is progressively being replaced with Ozempic, a different brand of semaglutide that is authorized for use on the NHS to regulate blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.


The resultant impact is that people with type 2 diabetes cannot get the GLP-1 RAs they need due to a lack of supply. The manufacturer of semaglutide, Novo Nordisk, predicts that this problem will probably persist for all GLP1 RA prescriptions until 2024.

The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England have published new recommendations. It gives professionals guidance on what steps to take till supply increases. 

It contains:

  • Not to provide GLP-1 RAs for use not authorized by the FDA.
  • Never provide any GLP-1 RAs to persons with type 2 diabetes.
  • Not to switch medicine brands or use lesser dosages as a replacement.
  • Discuss and settle on a new management strategy with individuals who may be impacted when alternative therapies need to be taken into account.


The Primary Care Diabetes Society (PCDS) and the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) have also provided guidance. Diabetes UK "recommends supporting eligible people in accessing weight management and remission services."

Furthermore, Diabetes UK is actively discussing the impact of shortages on individuals with diabetes with the manufacturer and the Department of Health and Social Care.


Diabetes UK has offered some advise to those whose prescriptions are being held up due to the shortage. "We advise you to contact your healthcare team if you are affected by GLP-1 analog shortages," it wrote. Because of these shortages, some patients may need to switch to a different medicine or management strategy. Your healthcare team should be able to talk with you about your alternatives."

Lower GLP-1 dosages must not be doubled because this will add to shortages. It is unlawful to purchase GLP-1 RAs without a prescription, and the drug may not be what it claims to be, hence GLP-1 RAs should only be bought with a prescription from recognized pharmacies.


Conclusion;

People with type 2 diabetes should be reassured that there are several various treatments available to assist them control their condition. Healthcare practitioners should collaborate with patients to choose the appropriate course of therapy for them, including non-medication-based remission programs when possible, while keeping people's particular needs and concerns in mind.