Shortages of diabetes drugs in the UK will last until at least the end of 2024 as demand increases for medication that can also help manage weight.
This is according to warnings from the Department of Health and Social Care.
Last week, it told healthcare providers not to prescribe diabetes medication for non-licensed purposes such as weight loss.
The UK has witnessed a surge in demand for glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs, or GLP-1 analogues), drugs used for managing blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, these drugs can also suppress appetite.
Supply issues
According to Diabetes UK, a brand of semaglutide, Ozempic, that is approved for NHS use as a treatment for managing blood glucose levels has increasingly been prescribed outside of its approved license for weight loss.
As a result, it has sparked access issues for those with type 2 diabetes who are prescribed GLP-1 RAs as supply is not currently meeting demand.
New guidance includes:
- Not to prescribe GLP-1 RAs outside of their approved use
- Not to switch between drug brands once someone is established on one, or substitute with lower dosages
- Continuing to review the effectiveness of GLP-1 RAs in line with NICE guidance
- Where alternative treatments need to be considered, discuss and agree a new management plan with those people affected.
Ongoing shortages
However, the new National Patient Safety Alert (NPSA) issued on 4 January 2024 says there is now sufficient stock of Rybelsus (semaglutide) tablets.
Douglas Twenefour, head of care at Diabetes UK, said: ‘The ongoing shortages of GLP-1 medications are having serious implications for many people with type 2 diabetes and are a still a major concern.
‘We are very concerned that it is now recognised these shortages are likely to endure for at least the rest of this year.
‘However, we welcome the government’s new direction to prescribers that there is now sufficient stock of Rybelsus to allow new initiation of this medication and hope that many people with type 2 diabetes who could benefit will now be able to be initiated onto a GLP-1 for the first time.’
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