GLP-1 Stock Shortages
Written by AlisonFreemantle on Friday 4th August 2023
This situation is not expected to resolve until into mid-2024
There is an ongoing national shortage of glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) used in the management of Type 2 Diabetes.
Although other GLP-1 RA therapies may be available it is possible there will be insufficient additional capacity to accommodate switching everyone currently prescribed an affected GLP-1 RA to an alternative brand.
What’s affected:
- Ozempic
- Rybelsus
- Trulicity
- Victoza
- Saxenda
- Byetta
- Bydureon
As part of the response to supply disruption of GLP1 RA, all GP practices will be reviewing the quantities of GLP1 RA prescribed.
If patients query this with community pharmacy, the information to share is that quantities have been adjusted to conserve the GLP1 RA supply chain, reduce wastage and ensure prescriptions quantities are in sync with oral medication. Hampshire and IOW ICB have put together a useful patient information leaflet that pharmacies can provide to patients.
Diabetes & Endocrinology department at UHS have put together a clinical overview that pharmacists may find useful.
Diabetes UK FAQs may also be useful for patients.