In recent months, there has been a shortage of the diabetes medication Ozempic. This has been a problem for many patients who rely on the medication to manage their diabetes but also those who are trying to manage their weight loss using Ozempic. The shortage is due to a number of factors, including production issues and increased demand.
The history of Ozempic
Ozempic (the drug name is Semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication that helps to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is also used to control weight loss, due to its effects on the hormone GLP-1, a hormone produced in the gut that helps control blood sugar levels and appetite.
It is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company. The medication was first approved to manage diabetes by the FDA in December 2017 and has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Ozempic is a prescription only drug, meaning it is not available to be purchased over the counter at pharmacies. If it is being used for weight loss then it is often termed off-label as it is not approved for this use, but it is effective for this purpose, and as a result can be prescribed for this use. Ozempic is a once-weekly injection that delivers the GLP-1 hormone directly into the body.
The medication is delivered via an auto-injector pen.
The current Ozempic shortage – October 2022
The current shortage of Ozempic is due to several factors.
First, there have been production issues at Novo Nordisk’s manufacturing facility in Denmark. Second, there has been a delay in the FDA approving their new manufacturing facility in Italy. Third, there is an issue with the packaging of the product that has caused it to be unable to ship. It is unclear why this packaging issue has arisen.
These issues, coupled with the significant demand increase in recent months, has caused a significant disruption in supply. As a result of these factors, the supply of Ozempic is currently very low.
The impact of the Ozempic shortage
The shortage of Ozempic has been felt by many people who rely on the medication to manage their diabetes, but also all of the people who use Ozempic for weight loss.
Shortages of generic drugs are nothing new, and they can last for months or even years.
As a result, supply of the medication has been impacted. We may expect to see an increase in late December or January if production is resumed at the Danish facility.
For now, patients are advised to use their current stock of Ozempic or switch to the tablet form of Semaglutide, called Rybelsus. This is a generic version of the medication that is not currently affected by the shortage.
For further information on what to do if you are running short of Ozempic contact us at info@medicalweightloss4u.co.uk or complete our Consultation Form to get Rybelus.