Semaglutide Shortage Limiting Access for Diabetes Patients

The Increasing Popularity of Semaglutide

Semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, has rapidly grown in popularity over the last few years. Originally approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, semaglutide helps improve glycemic control by stimulating the release of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. However, people soon realized that semaglutide can also promote weight loss as a beneficial side effect.

Semaglutide for Weight Loss

In 2021, a higher dose formulation of semaglutide called Wegovy received FDA approval specifically for chronic weight management. Unlike other weight loss medications that simply suppress appetite, semaglutide helps regulate appetite and improve control over food intake. In clinical trials, participants lost an average of 12-15% of their body weight over 68 weeks using semaglutide.

This significant weight loss has led to semaglutide being dubbed a game changer in the obesity treatment landscape. As celebrities and social media influencers started sharing their dramatic weight loss stories from using semaglutide, demand for the drug absolutely skyrocketed.

Shortage of Semaglutide

Increased off-label use of semaglutide for weight loss has now led to shortages impacting people who legitimately need the drug to manage type 2 diabetes. Manufacturers state that unanticipated demand is limiting their ability to produce enough semaglutide to meet needs. This poses a major problem for the >7 million Americans with type 2 diabetes using these medications.

While the weight loss seen with semaglutide is certainly impressive, restricting access for people with diabetes can lead to very serious health complications. As such, prioritization and responsible prescribing of these drugs is now critical until supply can catch up with demand.

Getting Access to Semaglutide

If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and your doctor determines that semaglutide is an appropriate treatment option for your circumstances, what steps should you take amidst the current shortage?

Talk to Your Doctor

First and foremost, have an open and honest discussion with your prescribing doctor. Make sure they understand your struggles with diabetes management and why you feel that adding semaglutide could be beneficial. See if there may be any alternative medications, at least temporarily, that could provide similar improvements in blood sugar control.

If you have already lost access to semaglutide, ask your doctor to submit an exception request to the manufacturer. Prescribers can request small allotments of the drug for patients with the most critical need.

Contact Your Pharmacy

Pharmacies are on the front lines of managing drug shortages and can provide key insights into availability. Call around to multiple pharmacies to check if they have any semaglutide doses on hand or estimates on future availability.

Independent pharmacies may be able to source semaglutide when large chains cannot. Olympia Pharmacy has connections with several additional distributors which can prove invaluable during shortages.

Enroll in Manufacturer Programs

Drug manufacturers often have patient assistance programs that provide medications at little or no cost to eligible individuals with financial or insurance limitations. For example, Novo Nordisk offers co-pay savings cards that cover up to $150 per prescription fill of Ozempic.

Enrollment in the Ozempic Savings Program or Wegovy Support Program can help ease the financial barriers associated with these expensive brand-name drugs during shortages.

Semaglutide Shortage No End in Sight

Manufacturers state that it could be 12-18 months before semaglutide supply can meet current levels of unprecedented demand. As celebrities and social media influencers continue showcasing dramatic weight loss results, more and more people are likely to request prescriptions.

Impact on Diabetes Care

Endocrinology groups emphasize that limiting access to critical diabetes drugs will undoubtedly lead to worse health outcomes. Diabetes is the #7 leading cause of death in the United States. High blood sugars increase risks of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and amputations.

While doctors await improved supply, semaglutide access will need to be prioritized for diabetes patients who demonstrate critical medical need based on their current health status.

Ethical Concerns

There are also ethical concerns around healthy individuals potentially paying concierge fees to obtain semaglutide specifically for off-label use. This inappropriately limits supply for people who legitimately require the drug to manage chronic health conditions.

The obesity epidemic and need for effective weight loss treatments is certainly important. However, providers and consumers alike should be mindful that their actions can negatively impact access for the diabetes community.

Looking Ahead With Optimism

The excitement around semaglutide for weight loss management is understandable. However, restricting access for people with diabetes can have severe consequences for their health in both the short and long term.

Pharmaceutical companies are working urgently to expand production capacity to meet the unprecedented demand. Healthcare providers are also optimistically looking ahead to the expected approval of a new weekly formulation of semaglutide later this year.

In time, supply is projected to sufficiently meet needs of all patients who may benefit from semaglutide treatment. Until then, maintaining perspective and patience is key while manufacturers scale up production.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.