Managing Your Diabetes & Weight Loss Treatments During the Ozempic Shortage in Canada

Ozempic Manufacturer Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. has announced that Ozempic is currently on back order until approximately March, 2024. Some important things patient should know during this shortage:

1. Ozempic Availability in Canada:

• Available in pre-filled pens (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg doses).
• Used for type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control along with diet and exercise.

2. Managing Your Supply:

• Try to get only a 30-day supply at a time if available
• Contact your pharmacy or doctor before running out.

3. Alternative Options:

• Ozempic is also available as an oral tablet (Rybelsus). However, supply might be limited during this period of backordering
• If switching from 1 mg Ozempic pen, you can use two 0.5 mg doses. Remember to change injection sites.
• For oral semaglutide, take it daily on an empty stomach and wait 30 minutes before eating or taking other medications.

4. Alternative Medications for Weight Management:

• Other approved medications in Canada for weight loss include bupropion/naltrexone, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and orlistat, each with its own benefits and side effects.
• Bupropion/naltrexone can cause nausea, vomiting, and other side effects; avoid with alcohol and in certain medical conditions.
• Liraglutide, taken daily via injection, and dulaglutide taken weekly via injection, may cause gastrointestinal side effects and needs caution in patients with heart and kidney issues.
• Orlistat, associated with gastrointestinal side effects, is contraindicated in chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis.

·       Be aware of possible side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

5. Switching Medications:

• If switching to a different drug, take the first dose of the new medication 7 days after your last Ozempic dose.
• Monitor for any side effects or changes in your blood sugar levels.

6. New Treatment Option:

• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is a new medication that might be an option, but check with your doctor first.

Remember, every patient is different, so it's important to talk to your healthcare provider for personalized advice."

References:

1. Health Canada; Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. Ozempic [product monograph]. Available from: https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=96058. Accessed August 18, 2023.

2. Lexicomp Online. Semaglutide. Waltham MA: UpToDate, Inc. Available from: https://online.lexi.com. Accessed August 18, 2023.

3. Mansell K, Arnason T. Diabetes mellitus [online]. June 2, 2023. Available from: https://cps.pharmacists.ca. Subscription required. Accessed August 18, 2023.

4. Almandoz JP, Lingvay I, Morales J et al. Switching between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: rationale and practical guidance. Clin Diabetes 2020;38(4):390-402.

5. Eli Lilly Canada Inc. Mounjaro [product monograph]. Available from: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00072280.PDF. Accessed November 2, 2023.