Ozempic Supply Is Running Low: Here's Why That Can Be A Problem

Ozempic, the diabetes drug also used as a so-called "miracle" weight-loss drug, has been sweeping through America and is now in limited supply.

When used for weight loss, the drug, a GLP-1, helps patients manage their weight. It has also been clinically proven to help prevent major cardiovascular events such as heart attack. 

But now, Ozempic and other diabetes drugs used for weight loss, such as Mounjaro from Eli Lilly And Co LLY, are getting tougher for patients to find at pharmacies. A doctor in Boston said that she has been hearing from patients that they haven't been able to find any Ozempic in stock for months, according to a report from CNN.

See Also: Robbie Williams Attributes Weight Loss To Ozempic-Like Drug In Upcoming Netflix Documentary: 'It's Like A Christmas Miracle' 

What's Up Doc: The doctor, Dr. Jody Dushay, said the supply is on a day-to-day basis. The shortage has led to several people ordering off-brand versions of the drug online, which can be very dangerous, experts warned. 

One Texas doctor warned that patients should only take an Ozempic injection if it was manufactured by Novo Nordisk A/S NVO. The off-brand versions available online are created by criminals, the doctor said and could lead to severe side effects and even possibly death. 

“If it says semaglutide and it’s not coming from the manufacturer Nova Nordisk, you shouldn’t get it. They don’t sell it online. You need a prescription from a specialized physician,” Dr. Carolina Solis-Herrera told KSAT, a news outlet based in San Antonio.

Ripple Effect: The shortage has also been a big problem Calibrate, a start-up telehealth company focused on weight-loss services. The company has had to repay many patients after they were unable to pick up their prescribed medicines. 

Calibrate’s CEO and founder Isabelle Kenyon is stepping down from her role as CEO as investors are worried about the business slowing down. Calibrate has raised more than $100 million in private funding from Founders Fund and Tiger Global. 

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