New Ozempic advice issued as demand ‘accelerated in recent months’

Supplies of Ozempic will be limited for the rest of 2023 and during 2024, prompting the TGA to urge prescribers to avoid starting new people on the medicine ‘unless there are no suitable alternatives or there is a compelling clinical reason to do so’.

The latest advice comes after supplier Novo Nordisk notified the TGA and the Ozempic Medicine Shortage Action Group that demand ‘had accelerated in recent months, particularly for the low-dose (0.25/0.5 mg) version’.

‘This additional demand is caused mainly by a rapid increase in prescribing for off-label use,’ the TGA said on 21 September.

‘When deciding whether to continue treatment, consult the appropriate prescribing guidelines.

‘Prioritise patients for whom Ozempic will have the most clinical impact, including patients already stabilised on the medicine and without other treatment options.

‘Carefully consider which patients might be switched to alternatives.’

The TGA said it was unknown when the medicine would be available in sufficient quantities to meet the ongoing high demand.

For more information, including for people taking Ozempic and for pharmacists, please see the full TGA statement.

New Ozempic advice issued as demand ‘accelerated in recent months’

‘This additional demand is caused mainly by a rapid increase in prescribing for off-label use,’ the TGA said on 21 September.

‘When deciding whether to continue treatment, consult the appropriate prescribing guidelines.

‘Prioritise patients for whom Ozempic will have the most clinical impact, including patients already stabilised on the medicine and without other treatment options.

‘Carefully consider which patients might be switched to alternatives.’

The TGA said it was unknown when the medicine would be available in sufficient quantities to meet the ongoing high demand.

For more information, including for people taking Ozempic and for pharmacists, please see the full TGA statement.