Ozempic faces major restrictions in Australia due to global shortage
Ozempic is facing major restrictions in Australia due to a global shortage
A popular weight loss drug intended for people with diabetes is facing a major shortage of supply, with doctors now being told not to prescribe the drug to new patients.
Off-label use is blamed for the global shortage of Ozempic, which is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) only for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Drugmaker Novo Nordisk has now warned that supply will be significantly limited for the rest of the year and most of 2024.
Off-label use is blamed for the global shortage of Ozempic, which is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) only for the treatment of type 2 diabetes
The country’s medical regulator has now advised doctors not to put new patients on Ozempic ‘unless there are no suitable alternatives’.
‘For patients who have already been prescribed Ozempic, consider switching to an alternative (by consulting appropriate prescribing guidance) as continuous supply cannot be guaranteed,’ the TGA said.
“Supplies must be preserved for patients stabilized on Ozempic who have no other treatment options
“It is not known when the drug will be available in sufficient quantities to meet the continued high demand.”
Novo Nordisk warned that demand has increased in recent months, especially for the low-dose 0.25/0.5 mg version.
Prescriptions for the drug are in high demand because of unapproved health conditions.
The shortage can be seen around the world.
The drug has developed a cult following online with ‘#ozempic’ with over a billion views on TikTok.
The country’s medical regulator has now advised doctors not to put new patients on Ozempic ‘unless there are no suitable alternatives’ (stock image)
Tech billionaire Elon Musk and comedian Amy Schumer are among several celebrities who say they use the drug.
Ozempic, clinically known as semaglutide, reduces a person’s appetite by slowing digestion.
However, it has several side effects, including nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
The TGA only approves the drug for use in adult patients in Australia, who have type 2 diabetes, to manage low blood sugar levels, along with changes in diet and exercise.
It is sold in doses of 0.25, 0.5 and 1 milligram.