A shortage of the drug Ozempic is expected in Canada

2023-08-19 01:24:19

A shortage of the diabetes drug Ozempic, also used for weight loss, is likely in the short term in Canada, its manufacturer Novo Nordisk and Health Canada announced Friday.

“We are experiencing a temporary supply disruption with the Ozempic 1mg pen (injection) due to the combination of overall global supply constraints coupled with increased demand,” Novo Nordisk spokeswoman Kate Hanna said. , in a press release.

On its website, Health Canada said “intermittent shortages” of the drug are expected from late August to early October.

The 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg doses of Ozempic pens remain available “for patients with type 2 diabetes across Canada,” said Ms.^me Hanna.

“Canada is one of many countries facing supply challenges. We are proactively working with our global colleagues, Health Canada and our drug shipping partners to address this issue to mitigate the impact across Canada,” she added.

Low-dose pens “could be an option for some patients to mitigate the impacts” of the supply disruption, Health Canada says on its website.

But “it will be important to avoid new shortages”, we add.

Health Canada and Novo Nordisk are “closely monitoring” the supply of Rybelsus, which is the pill form of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic.

“Patients are encouraged to consult with a healthcare professional about available options,” Health Canada said.

Ozempic and Rybelsus are currently approved by Health Canada for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Endocrinologists have previously told The Canadian Press that semaglutide, prescribed in higher doses, is also an effective treatment for obesity and that they have prescribed it for this purpose.

Some doctors and ethics experts, however, have criticized Novo Nordisk for aggressively marketing Ozempic and Rybelsus in Canada in recent months, citing concerns that people will seek prescriptions to lose weight for cosmetic purposes. .

Another semaglutide drug manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy, has been approved by Health Canada for the treatment of obesity, but is not yet available in the country.

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