Obesity doctors say they will “absolutely” continue prescribing the so-called ‘miracle drug’ Ozempic despite concerns over shortages for diabetes patients.

The drug is essential for people with Type II diabetes, according to the Medical Council, Department of Health, HSE, Health Products Regulatory Authority and Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland. 

They said increased prescriptions of Ozempic to treat obesity has led to a shortage for patients with diabetes in Ireland and globally.  

“While your primary duty is to your patient, you must consider the needs of all patients and balance these where resources are limited,” they said.  

The health bodies gave this advice based on guidance from Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk, who said shortages will continue for the rest of the year. 

Despite that, obesity doctors said the advice is not helpful for treating patients with obesity properly.  

University Hospital Galway Consultant Dr Francis Finucane told Newstalk Breakfast doctors “were taken by surprise” by the advice from the health bodies. 

“We use [Ozempic] widely, not just in Galway but in Ireland and elsewhere,” he said.  

“It’s such an effective drug for the treatment of obesity and its complications.” 

The drug reduces a person’s appetite and must be injected weekly for life.  

Dr Finucane said Ozempic has been licensed in Ireland since January 2022. The main ingredient in the drug, semaglutide, was licensed for the treatment of obesity in the drug Wegovy, which is not yet available in Ireland.

Payments

Dr Finucane said obesity patients must pay for the treatment themselves – and that Ozempic is the cheapest option at €130 per month.

He said alternatives were most expensive and not as effective, with the next most affordable drug costing approximately €250.

“Why would we prescribe a more expensive drug that isn’t quite as good for our patients, especially when that drug has been licensed?” he said.  

The endocrinologist said doctors will “absolutely” continue prescribing Ozempic to obesity patients despite shortages for both them and patients with diabetes.  

“That is a very difficult challenge,” he said. “But I don’t think that means we should preclude people from the most effective and cost-effective treatment, especially when they're paying for it themselves.” 

Approximately 260,000 Irish people have diabetes. Some 960,000 people have obesity in Ireland, and Ireland ranks ninth of 53 European countries for obesity in adults. 

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