Experts are warning that the global shortage of the diabetes medicine Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, may persist for a longer time, as per a report published in The Conversation.
Ozempic is a medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Its generic name is semaglutide. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists).
Ozempic works by mimicking the action of the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. It helps to lower blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin, slowing down digestion, reducing the production of glucose by the liver, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Why the Shortage?
The UK's Department of Health and Social Care has advised against starting new patients on the drug, and shortages have been reported in Australia, Ireland, and Canada.
The high demand for Ozempic, driven by its use in managing blood sugar levels and aiding weight loss, has led to supply shortages.
Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical company specializing in diabetes treatments, Ozempic and its weight loss version, Wegovy, are currently the only semaglutide products available worldwide due to Novo Nordisk's patent ownership.
The shortages are primarily caused by the off-label use of semaglutide for weight loss, a trend influenced by social media endorsements and celebrity usage.
The impact of social media and celebrity endorsement on medication demand is not unprecedented. In the UK, the "Davina McCall effect" led to increased demand for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications after the British TV presenter openly discussed her use of HRT for managing menopause symptoms.
Although HRT supplies have mostly recovered, semaglutide shortages may persist for a longer duration given the global demand.
Manufacturing and supplying Wegovy, which is specifically licensed for weight loss, have presented challenges for Novo Nordisk. Despite reducing the promotion of Wegovy to manage demand, individuals continue to turn to Ozempic for weight loss, even though the two products are not interchangeable.
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Addressing the Shortage
To address the shortage, UK authorities recommend that only patients with diabetes receive Ozempic prescriptions. Novo Nordisk is investing $2.3 billion (£1.8 billion) in upgrading their manufacturing facility, which aims to increase capacity for producing both Wegovy and Ozempic.
In an effort to prioritize patients with the greatest clinical need, Novo Nordisk has appealed to health authorities to discourage the off-label use of semaglutide, ensuring its availability.
Additionally, the company has implemented measures to optimize manufacturing efforts by reducing the availability of specific semaglutide dosages in the United States by 50%.
Healthcare professionals are advised to inform patients about the shortages and explore alternative medications that are suitable for their condition. It is important to note that Ozempic should only be utilized for type 2 diabetes treatment and not for weight loss purposes.
Patients who rely on Ozempic are encouraged to order repeat supplies in advance to avoid any potential shortage issues.
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