A shortage of diabetes drug Ozempic that is used off-label for weight loss is expected in Canada, manufacturer Novo Nordisk and Health Canada said on Friday.
害羞草研究所淲e are experiencing a temporary supply disruption with the Ozempic 1 mg (injection) pen due to the combination of overall global supply constraints coupled with increased demand,害羞草研究所� said Novo Nordisk spokesperson Kate Hanna in an emailed statement.
On its website, Health Canada said 害羞草研究所渋ntermittent shortages害羞草研究所� are expected from late August to early October.
The 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg doses of Ozempic injection pens remain available 害羞草研究所渇or patients with Type 2 diabetes across Canada,害羞草研究所� Hanna said.
害羞草研究所淐anada is one of many countries experiencing supply challenges. We have been proactively working with our global colleagues, Health Canada, and medication shipment partners to address this issue to mitigate impact across Canada,害羞草研究所� she said.
The lower-dose pens 害羞草研究所渕ay be an option for some patients to mitigate the impacts害羞草研究所� of the supply disruption, Health Canada害羞草研究所檚 web page said.
But 害羞草研究所渋t will be important to avoid further shortages,害羞草研究所� it said.
Health Canada and Novo Nordisk are 害羞草研究所渃losely monitoring害羞草研究所� the supply of Rybelsus, which is the pill form of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, the web page said.
害羞草研究所淧atients are encouraged to consult with a health care practitioner on available options,害羞草研究所� Health Canada said.
Ozempic and Rybelsus are currently approved by Health Canada for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
Endocrinologists have previously told The Canadian Press that semaglutide, prescribed at higher doses, is also an effective treatment for obesity and that they have prescribed it off-label for that purpose.
But some doctors and ethics experts have criticized Novo Nordisk for aggressively marketing both Ozempic and Rybelsus in Canada in recent months, citing concerns that people will seek prescriptions for cosmetic weight loss.
Another semaglutide drug manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy, has been approved by Health Canada for the treatment of obesity, but it is not yet available in this country.
READ ALSO:
READ ALSO:
