Unable to get medication

[xendistar]

I have now been without Semaglutide 7mg for nearly 5 weeks. Spoken to the Diabetic nurse and the pharmacy but just told there is a shortage. Apparently there is a national shortage of the drug to health club purchasing the drug for their weight loss clubs, anybody else having this issue??

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[Deleted member 527103]

This is not just a UK supply issue. It is worldwide and has been in the global press. For example: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-66443043
This is Diabetes UK's comments: https://diabetes.org.uk/about_us/ne...ly-issues-drugs-people-living-type-2-diabetes

 

[jocksanon]

Liraglutide/Semaglutide battle: Diabetes Benefits v Weight Loss - WHO WILL WIN?

I've decided that I will reduce the demand from patients with diabetes who might benefit from taking Liraglutide or Semaglutide. The stress and anxiety caused by supply failures is more than the benefit from the drugs.

The global supply issues, with these drugs being bought under the counter for weight loss, are not being managed by manufacturers. A recent search revealed private clinics offering these drugs for over £170 per pen. That is profiteering.

Having considered:
1. The personal benefits to me, measured in less stress and anxiety, is far more valuable than the benefits of using either drug.

2. My opinion of Novo Nordisk is badly tainted, they are on one side of the dividing line between morality and profiteering. Showing a lack of support for patients with diabetes reveals a damning attitude undermining patients with diabetes.

3. I will stop using liraglutide (Victoza), after changing from Semaglutide (Ozempic) due to the same supply issues, to reduce demand. Economics is a powerful tool which will level the playing field.

Sadly, Novo Nordisk will lose the potential of supplying me for a lifetime.

 

[oldgreymare]

Hi @jocksanon

I see that you are a Type 1 using insulin. I believe that use of GLP-1 drugs is only approved for Type 2 treatment and not recommended for Type 1. Occasionally prescribed "off label" in addition to insulin?

Personally while the idea of any drug that can help with weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity sounds very appealing, the side effects, plus rebound weight gain/insulin resistance when stopping these drugs, puts me off completely.

Can you discuss with your diabetes team about adjusting your insulin regime instead to aim for better diabetes control?

I'm afraid to say that both my insulins are made by Novo Nordisk.