In this snapshot from a Toronto pharmacy on April 19, 2023, the diabetes drug Ozempic takes center stage. Health Canada is collaborating with manufacturers to address the global shortage of diabetes medications, like Ozempic, driven by overwhelming demand. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Joe O'Connal
Health Canada is collaborating with drug manufacturers to address a global shortage of diabetes medications, including Ozempic, driven by high demand that is anticipated to persist into the upcoming year.
ovo Nordisk, the company responsible for Ozempic, foresees a shortage of the 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg injection pens in Canada until early 2024. Similarly, Eli Lilly, the marketer of Trulicity and Mounjaro, expects reduced supplies of both medications throughout the early months of 2024.
To tackle the shortage, Health Canada is actively involved in expanding manufacturing capabilities. However, building up sufficient supply levels will require a considerable amount of time.
During this period, Health Canada advises healthcare providers to refrain from initiating new patients on these medications unless there are no viable alternatives and a clinical necessity exists.
The regulatory body emphasizes the importance of conserving these drugs, commonly used for weight loss, for individuals with limited treatment options. Both pharmaceutical companies are urging pharmacists to restrict prescription refills to a 30-day supply.
