Dealing with medication shortage…again…

2022 and now 2023 have been the years of medication shortages… and unfortunately a popular weight management medication, semaglutide (ozempic) has not been spared.

So I know many of you are now facing the reality that, having finally found a treatment which works, it has now been taken away. And for many of you this is not the first time.

Why is this shortage happening?

As per the Therapeutic Goods Association of Australia, there is a worldwide shortage of semaglutide, the active ingredient in ozempic, because when it was approved for use for weight management there was an increase demand for the medication. And there is a good reason for this - it is very effective!

Making semaglutide (ozempic) involves a complex process using specialised equipment in a unique manufacturing setting, this means that re-establishing supply for a global shortage is taking some time.

It is estimated that current supply issues are likely to last until December 2023.

Why might I be refused access to semaglutide?

As part of the effort to manage supply shortages, the TGA has taken moves to suggest that only patients eligible for semaglutide (ozempic) under the Australian Pharmaceutical benefits Scheme (PBS) should be allowed to access the medication. The PBS funds GLP 1 agonists such as semaglutide for patients with type 2 diabetes who have not been able to control their blood sugar levels with first line medications. This does not mean that you can’t be prescribed semaglutide, and that you are not deserving of the medication, however it does mean that you may be prevented from purchasing the medication from some pharmacies. This restriction will lift with return to supply.

So what should I do?

Can I import Ozempic?

The TGA has approved the temporary supply of overseas-registered semaglutide products, which your pharmacist can order from the following companies. Supplies through these channels have been intermittently affected by the shortages so for up to date information, it is best to contact the pharmacies directly:

• Medsurge Healthcare (call 1300 788 261)

• Pro Pharmaceuticals Group (call 1300 077 674).

Can I purchase ‘compounded’ Ozempic?

The molecule semaglutide (ozempic) is under patent and because of this Novo Nordisk is the only legitimate manufacturer until the patent expires.

‘Compounded’ ozempic has been advertised online, however these are unregulated manufacturers and suppliers and as such the safety of the product can not be guaranteed.

In addition, the TGA has identified scams where patients have not had the medication they have paid for delivered, or the medication delivered was not semaglutide.

Due to these factors, the TGA strongly recommends accessing semaglutide through legitimate channels via a prescription taken to an Australian pharmacy.

More information can be found here:

https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/consumers-warned-about-ozempic-scams

Dosage

If you are currently taking semaglutide and you have some remaining supply, there are some options:

• If you are currently increasing the dose, put this on hold for now and continue at your current dosage

• In consultation with your doctor, you could consider reducing the dosage to make the medication you do have last longer

Alternatives

Trust yourself! 

Lean on the nutritional behaviours and dietary choices you have learnt to date, including ways that we can use foods to manage hunger and maximise satiety.

If you need help, Caroline and Lareena are here to make sure that you maintain the momentum!

Other Medications

There are alternatives! If you want to discuss whether you can swap to an alternative, let me know.

These medications include:

Liraglutide (Saxenda)

Naltrexone/Buproprion (Contrave)

Phentermine (Duromine)

Off label medications

Topiramate (Topamax)

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

See the Blog on Medications to manage weight for more info…

Assess goals

We know that continued weight loss may be a challenge without the medication as appetite suppression. But it is not all doom and gloom!

It may be a good time to focus on your other goals:

• Healthy eating can still help you hit health goals without necessarily needing weight loss - for example

  • Reducing blood sugar levels

  • Reducing cholesterol

  • Lowering blood pressure

• Eating enough protein and fibre can be a challenge when you are pursuing fat loss, this is a good time to make sure you are hitting those targets!

• You can still get stronger and fitter without weight loss: explore the different options for moving your body near you and keep on setting up habits that will last

• We know sleep is important - try to make sure you are getting in enough downtime so you are not tired during the day!

The good news…

It is anticipated that semgalutide (ozempic) will be resupplied in Australia by December 2023.  

In addition, semaglutide in the version for weight management, wegovy (2.4mg) has already been approved for weight loss by the TGA and has already been released in the US.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is also also available overseas and will hopefully arrive in Australia (for diabetes) towards the end of 2023, start of 2024. It has been shown to come close to the effects of bariatric surgery in terms of efficacy and so is one to watch!

And with the clear demand for newer, more effective and more tolerable alternatives for weight management, I am sure there will be many promising options on the horizon.

So reach out if you are struggling, and we can help you get through what I know may be a difficult and uncertain time.