Written answers
Tuesday, 18 April 2023
Department of Health
Medicinal Products
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin Bay North, Labour)
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1594. To ask the Minister for Health if he is aware of reports of a market shortage of a semagluetide under a brand (details supplied); if he is aware of the causes of any shortage; and the measures his Department is taking to remediate the situation. [17397/23]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Shortages of the diabetes medicine Ozempic are linked to the increased demand which has been attributed to the off-label use of the product to treat obesity.
Novo Nordisk, the marketing authorisation holder for Ozempic, has notified the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) of intermittent supply issues with Ozempic products due to increased global demand. The company anticipates that intermittent supply will continue throughout 2023. Similar supply constraints are being experienced in other EU countries.
Novo Nordisk has implemented monthly allocations to help ensure continuity of supply and equitable distribution of Ozempic stock to Irish patients. The company has issued letters to relevant stakeholders, including healthcare professionals (attached), to ensure they are aware of this supply issue and its management.
Information relating to medicines shortages, including particular information relating to Ozempic, can be found on the HPRA's website (Medicines Shortages (hpra.ie). Information on shortages is dynamic and changes depending on the current information the HPRA has to hand, including removal from the list when a shortage has been resolved.
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