Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1424. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the measures he is taking to address the growing concern of diabetics regarding the difficulties in obtaining ozempic, some persons are finding it impossible to obtain the drug. [12579/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOzempic is licensed for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
Novo Nordisk, the company responsible for supplying Ozempic, has advised of supply issues with its glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist products including Ozempic.
Novo Nordisk has outlined that these supply issues are due to increased global demand for GLP-1 products coupled with manufacturing capacity constraints at manufacturing sites. The company anticipates that intermittent supply issues will continue throughout 2024.
Novo Nordisk has informed advised that it has implemented monthly allocations to help ensure continuity of supply and equitable distribution of stock to patients and is working on increasing its capacity to increase production of Ozempic.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is engaging closely with the company and the wholesalers involved in the supply of this product to keep the health system and the public informed - www.hpra.ie/docs/default-source/Shortages-Docs/ozempic-availability-september---info-for-hcps-and-patients---1-sept-2023701f152697826eee9b55ff00008c97d0.pdf?sfvrsn=2
Novo Nordisk has issued letters to relevant stakeholders, including healthcare professionals to ensure they are aware of this supply issue and its management – www.hpra.ie/docs/default-source/Shortages-Docs/ema-mandated-victoza-amp-ozempic-direct-healthcare-professional-communication-(dhpc).pdf?sfvrsn=2
Further information and HSE guidance is also available relating to Ozempic supply interruption for healthcare professionals and patients - www.hpra.ie/docs/default-source/Shortages-Docs/glp1-ra-shortage-clinical-advice-ncpd-01112023.pdf.
I recognise that medicine shortages can be challenging for patients, carers, healthcare professionals and their teams. Based on shortages notified to the HPRA, this matter has been the subject of engagement across Health Service stakeholders. Where at all possible, all parties are focused on pre-empting and responding to any potential impacts on medicines supply. Where a shortage cannot be prevented, we will aim to provide useful information to healthcare professionals and patients.
The HPRA maintains a list of current and resolved shortages on its www.hpra.ie/homepage/medicines/medicines-information/medicines-shortages, where the details, including the information above, are detailed. The webpage is updated daily as new information is received.
