Ozempic shortage expected in Canada: manufacturer
CTV
A shortage of diabetes drug Ozempic that is used off-label for weight loss is expected in Canada, the manufacturer says.
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.
"We 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," said Novo Nordisk spokesperson Kate Hanna in an emailed statement.
On its website, Health Canada said "intermittent shortages" are expected from late August to early October.
The 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg doses of Ozempic injection pens remain available "for patients with Type 2 diabetes across Canada," Hanna said.
"Canada 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," she said.
The lower-dose pens "may be an option for some patients to mitigate the impacts" of the supply disruption, Health Canada's web page said.
But "it will be important to avoid further shortages," it said.
