Semaglutide, marketed under the brand name Ozempic, has been praised as a “miracle” weight-loss drug by various celebrities, including Elon Musk and Jeremy Clarkson. However, health officials are now cautioning doctors and pharmacists against prescribing diabetes drugs to individuals solely seeking to lose weight. The demand for semaglutide and similar medications has resulted in a national shortage, endangering the lives of diabetic patients who require these drugs.
Ozempic, available on the NHS, is primarily used for managing blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Although it was approved for weight loss under the name Wegovy in May, supply difficulties have prevented its launch in the UK. Consequently, there has been a rise in “off-label” prescribing, where medications are being used for purposes other than their intended use. This exacerbates the shortage and makes it difficult for diabetes patients to obtain their essential medication, which can have serious clinical implications.
In response to the shortage, the Department of Health has issued a national patient safety alert urging healthcare providers to refrain from prescribing these drugs for obesity. The alert highlights that the supply issues are a result of increased demand for these products for licensed and off-label indications. The use of these medications for managing obesity is strongly discouraged, and existing stock must be conserved for patients with diabetes.
The alert pertains to a group of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), which include Ozempic, Rybelsus, Trulicity, and Bydureon. These drugs work by suppressing appetite through their impact on the brain. Clinical trials of the weekly injection Wegovy demonstrated that participants lost approximately 12 percent of their body weight and significantly reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer behind Ozempic and Wegovy, has acknowledged intermittent supply constraints due to unprecedented levels of demand. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is collaborating with officials to ensure that diabetes patients can access these drugs or suitable alternatives.
Dr. Laura Squire from the MHRA emphasized that regulatory processes will be utilized to minimize risks to public health in cases where there is a potential supply shortage of a medical product. The Department of Health and Social Care expects all healthcare providers to abide by national guidance, which clearly states that these medicines should only be prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes to protect the supply for diabetic patients.
Novo Nordisk supports the additional guidance issued to healthcare professionals and emphasizes that off-label use or misuse of their medicines is neither promoted nor encouraged.
As the demand for semaglutide and similar weight-loss drugs continues to rise, it is essential for healthcare providers to prioritize the needs of diabetic patients and follow guidelines to ensure the reliable supply of these medications.