Ozempic: recommendations for doctors (specialists) and (hospital) pharmacists due to limited availability

date: 28/09/2022

There is limited availability of the medicine Ozempic (semaglutide-based solution for subcutaneous injection) due to an acute increase in demand.  This limited availability will certainly last until early 2023.  Experts from the FAMHP's Unavailability Task Force give recommendations. 

Recommendations for (hospital) pharmacists, general practitioners and physicians-specialists. Recommendations for doctors (specialists) and (hospital) pharmacists: 

  • As long as the availability remains limited, priority should be given to the authorised indication of Osempic. Which is the treatment of adult patients with inadequately regulated type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and body exercise.  
  • Off-label use of Ozempic should be limited in these circumstances.  Especially for use in the treatment of obesity where there is a body mass index (BMI) below 30 kg/m² or below 27 kg/m² in combination with at least one weight-related comorbidity. 
  • When necessary, the following alternatives can be applied to treat adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus:   
    • exenatide (Bydureon suspension for subcutaneous injection with prolonged release); 
    • liraglutide (Victoza solution for subcutaneous injection); 
    • semaglutide (Rybelsus tablets).
  • Since 1 September 2022, the ban on cumulation between the Ozempic speciality and the other specialities of the incretinomimetics class (A-92) was temporarily lifted by the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (NIHDI). 
  • For the treatment of obesity, the medicine Saxenda (liraglutide-based solution for subcutaneous injection) can be used. 

The FAMHP closely monitors the situation, both at national and European level.
 

 

Last updated on 28/09/2022