Worldwide shortages cause to TGA put the brakes on prescribing

Ozempic supply will be limited for the rest of this year and throughout 2024, as demand has accelerated in recent months, the Therapeutic Goods Administration announced last week.

After consultation with the Ozempic Medicine Shortage Action Group, the TGA is advising prescribers:

• Not to initiate new patients on Ozempic unless there are no suitable alternatives or there is a compelling clinical reason to do so.
• Consider if patients already prescribed Ozempic can be changed to
  an alternative as continuous supply cannot be guaranteed
• Conserve supplies for patients who are stabilised on Ozempic who have no other treatment options

“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,” the TGA advised.

Ozempic’s TGA-approved indication is for the management of type 2 diabetes not adequately managed by other medications, in conjunction with diet and exercise.

Manufacturer Novo Nordisk said that very limited new supplies of Ozempic 0.25/0.5 mg will be available before the end of 2023 and supply of all strengths of Ozempic will be intermittent for the rest of 2023 and throughout 2024.

Ozempic is in shortage worldwide and the issue is not limited to Australia.

Novo Nordisk has said they are increasing manufacturing capacity, but is not known when the medicine will be available in sufficient quantities to meet the ongoing high demand.