TGA provides update on popular diabetes medication shortage

The popular brand has been in short supply since April 2022 after people started taking it to manage obesity.

Ozempic has been in short supply since April 2022 because it’s being prescribed for the off-label treatment of obesity. Picture: Getty Images / Mario Tama.

A popular brand of the type 2 diabetes drug semaglutide will remain in short supply is set to continue until the end of the year.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on Wednesday provided an update on the shortages, saying they’ll continue asking medical professionals to limit their Ozempic prescriptions.

Ozempic has been hard to get since April 2022, after doctors started prescribing the weekly injection for its off-label use managing other conditions like obesity.

And while they say the supply continues to improve, “use will need to remain limited to the TGA-registered indication of type 2 diabetes until the end of December 2023.”

Ozempic has been in short supply since April 2022 because it’s being prescribed for the off-label treatment of obesity. Picture: Getty Images / Mario Tama.

The TGA is recommending those using Ozempic for other conditions to consult with their doctor to have their treatment reassessed.

“Decisions to encourage limiting the use of a medicine to a particular condition during a shortage are difficult, and not intended to imply that other conditions are not important,” reads the TGA statement.

Those who are using the drug to treat type 2 diabetes should check with their pharmacy to see if they have stock before they need their next dose.

While pharmacists have been advised to allocate supplies to those who haven’t been able to switch to other medications during the shortage.

Ozempic is a weekly injected medication supplied by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.

It’s subsidised by the PBS if certain conditions are met, and if it’s being used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Making Ozempic involves the use of specialised equipment in a unique manufacturing setting, so re-establishing the global supply is taking time.

More information can be found on the TGA’s website.