Diabetes Canada is committed to helping people improve their health outcomes by advocating for access to evidence-based, personalized diabetes treatments, which can include semaglutide medications such as Ozempic.
Over the last year Diabetes Canada has been monitoring the increased demand for Ozempic and were informed directly by Health Canada and the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., of intermittent shortages of the Ozempic 1 mg pen from late August to October 2023. Unfortunately, the intermittent shortages have been extended to March 2024 and is now impacting other dosages.
Diabetes Canada appreciates the potential impacts this could have on people living with diabetes who currently use this medication as part of their prescribed diabetes management regime. We will continue to advocate for strong protections and safeguards of the Canadian medication supply for the 1 in 3 Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes.
We have been regularly checking in with our 1-800-BANTING info line, where people living with diabetes can reach out to us with concerns or questions. Unfortunately, we are hearing from more people living with diabetes who are experiencing challenges accessing Ozempic due to the manufacturer’s intermittent shortages.
Diabetes Canada has been working side by side with Health Canada and our peers in the healthcare sector, with the expectation that this situation can be resolved soon to ensure people who need this medication have continued access.
Our team has been involved in on-going conversations with Health Canada and participating in a regular meeting with Health Canada and other stakeholder groups in the healthcare sector to keep updated on the situation. Our Government Affairs team has also had several meetings with Health Canada’s Drug Shortages division to press the importance of a solution for people who rely on this medication to manage their diabetes.
If you live with diabetes and are concerned about the shortages of Ozempic, Health Canada advises you to reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss other options that may be available.
Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. is encouraging pharmacists to continue to limit refill prescriptions to a 30-day supply. People living with diabetes are also advised to contact their pharmacy well in advance of running out of their current supply.