A scarcity of diabetes drug Ozempic that’s used off-label for weight reduction is predicted in Canada, producer Novo Nordisk and Well being Canada mentioned on Friday.
“We’re experiencing a short lived provide disruption with the Ozempic one-milligram (injection) pen as a result of mixture of total world provide constraints coupled with elevated demand,” mentioned Novo Nordisk spokesperson Kate Hanna in an emailed assertion.
On its web site, Well being Canada mentioned “intermittent shortages” are anticipated from late August to early October.
The 0.25-milligram and 0.5-milligram doses of Ozempic injection pens stay out there “for sufferers with Kind 2 diabetes throughout Canada,” Hanna mentioned.
“Canada is certainly one of many international locations experiencing provide challenges. We have now been proactively working with our world colleagues, Well being Canada, and drugs cargo companions to handle this problem to mitigate affect throughout Canada,” she mentioned.
The lower-dose pens “could also be an choice for some sufferers to mitigate the impacts” of the availability disruption, Well being Canada’s internet web page mentioned.
However “it is going to be essential to keep away from additional shortages,” it mentioned.
Well being Canada and Novo Nordisk are “carefully monitoring” the availability of Rybelsus, which is the tablet type of semaglutide, the energetic ingredient in Ozempic, the net web page mentioned.
“Sufferers are inspired to seek the advice of with a well being care practitioner on out there choices,” Well being Canada mentioned.
Well being Canada is reviewing the category of medicine utilized in diabetes and weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, following reviews that they could result in a danger of suicide. Different well being businesses within the U.Ok. and Europe are additionally conducting related critiques.
Firm criticized for aggressive advertising and marketing
Ozempic and Rybelsus are at present accredited by Well being Canada for the therapy of Kind 2 diabetes.
Endocrinologists have beforehand instructed The Canadian Press that semaglutide, prescribed at larger doses, can also be an efficient therapy for weight problems and that they’ve prescribed it off-label for that goal.
However some docs and ethics consultants have criticized Novo Nordisk for aggressively advertising and marketing each Ozempic and Rybelsus in Canada in current months, citing issues that individuals will search prescriptions for beauty weight reduction.
One other semaglutide drug manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy, has been accredited by Well being Canada for the therapy of weight problems, however it’s not but out there on this nation.
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Ozempic is a model title for a drug that’s prescribed to assist handle Kind 2 diabetes. However it’s additionally being utilized in Canada as a therapy for weight problems, one thing that some docs – and lots of people on TikTok – are speaking about. There’s a variety of questions in regards to the dangers and advantages of Ozempic on the subject of weight reduction, and a lot curiosity that there’s been provide shortages of the drug, significantly in the USA. Elaine Chen is a heart problems reporter at STAT Information. She covers metabolic situations together with diabetes and weight problems. At this time, she discusses why some individuals are calling this new drug a gamechanger and the way it’s difficult the best way the medical group treats individuals who dwell with weight problems.