Is There an Ozempic Shortage? What to Do
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
In recent months, the buzz around Ozempic has grown louder in both medical circles and among those seeking weight loss solutions. Ozempic has gained great attention for its weight loss benefits, leading to a surge in demand. However, this increased popularity has sparked concerns about a potential shortage, leaving many patients and healthcare providers anxious about accessibility.
In this article, we’ll explore the current state of the Ozempic supply, unpack what’s driving the shortage, and offer practical advice for those affected.
Ozempic Shortage Update
Is Ozempic Discontinued?
Ozempic has not been discontinued. However, its off-label use for weight loss surged in 2023, prompting manufacturer Novo Nordisk to decrease production of the drug and leading to shortages in various regions.
Why Is Ozempic Out of Stock?
Ozempic has seen an unprecedented rise in demand due to its off-label use. This demand has put a strain on the drug’s supply chain, leading to a nation-wide shortage of the medication. Pharmaceutical companies have been struggling to keep up with the demand, causing Ozempic to be out of stock in many locations.
This situation has raised concerns among healthcare professionals, many of whom have emphasized that Ozempic should be reserved for the diabetes patients with a medical need for it.
How Long Will Ozempic Be on Backorder?
The duration of Ozempic’s backorder remains uncertain. It will be influenced by factors such as Novo Nordisk’s manufacturing capabilities, global demand, and supply chain constraints. That said, though intermittent shortages are expected to persist throughout 2024, Novo Nordisk has stated that the Ozempic supply situation should improve in the first quarter of 2024.
What to Do if Ozempic Unavailable
If Ozempic becomes unavailable to you during your weight loss treatment, it’s essential to consult your doctor before making any changes to your regimen. They may suggest alternative medications or other weight management strategies. Abrupt discontinuation of a drug and unsupervised replacement of it can be harmful to your health.
What Can I Use Over the Counter Instead of Ozempic?
Over the counter weight loss supplements claim to facilitate weight loss by increasing metabolism, suppressing appetite, and/or blocking fat absorption. Examples include green tea extract, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and fiber supplements such as glucomannan. The effectiveness of these options can vary, and they may not be suitable for everyone.
It’s crucial to note that OTC supplements are not subjected to the same rigorous safety and efficacy testing as prescription medications, making their impact on users’ long-term health unclear.
What Happens if You Just Stop Taking Ozempic?
If you abruptly discontinue your use of Ozempic, you may experience some negative reactions. The potential outcomes of suddenly stopping Ozempic include:
- Weight Gain: One of the most common results of stopping Ozempic abruptly is the rapid regaining of any weight lost during the treatment. Without the medication’s regulation of blood sugar or deceleration of gastric emptying, your appetite levels could return to their pre-treatment state, leading to increased caloric intake.
- Return of Blood Sugar Levels to Pre-Treatment State: For those using Ozempic for blood sugar control in addition to weight management, discontinuing the medication may lead to increased blood sugar levels, undoing any improvement experienced during treatment.
- Appetite Changes: Ozempic significantly reduces appetite and caloric intake to foster weight loss. Stopping it suddenly can result in a noticeable increase in appetite and potentially lead to overeating or binge eating behaviors in some individuals.
- Digestive Issues: Some people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after stopping the medication, especially if it was discontinued abruptly.
- Psychological Effects: In some cases, ceasing weight loss medication that has been effective can lead to adverse psychological effects, including feelings of frustration, disappointment, or anxiety about weight gain and one’s overall health.
It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication regimen, including discontinuing Ozempic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the shortage of Ozempic has underscored the importance of communication between patients and their healthcare providers when faced with drug unavailability. While the uncertainty surrounding Ozempic’s supply may cause concern, it’s vital to remember that alternative options exist, and no one should alter their treatment plan without professional guidance.
When you get your semaglutide prescription through the Sanctuary Wellness Institute, you have the advantage of meeting with a doctor online and getting your medication delivered directly to your home. The Sanctuary Wellness Institute streamlines the process of obtaining semaglutide, making it seamless and hassle-free to maximize our patients’ convenience.
Best of all, the Ozempic shortage has not affected our weight loss program because we provide compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide prescriptions. Book a complimentary evaluation today to discover whether the Sanctuary’s medical weight loss program is a good fit for you.
How we reviewed this article:
- Kevin Dunleavy (2023). To address shortage, Novo Nordisk will cut production of Victoza to boost supply of Ozempic
https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/address-shortage-novo-nordisk-will-cut-production-victoza-boost-supply-ozempic - Therapeutic Goods Administration (2023). About the Ozempic (semaglutide) shortage 2022 and 2023
https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/shortages/information-about-major-medicine-shortages/about-ozempic-semaglutide-shortage-2022-and-2023 - Jamiese Price (2023). Diabetes patients struggle to find Ozempic due to its popularity as weight loss drug
https://abc11.com/ozempic-weight-loss-drug-miracle-wonder/14037871/ - Berkeley Lovelace Jr., Lauren Dunn, and Kristen Dahlgren (2023). People with diabetes struggle to find Ozempic as it soars in popularity as a weight loss aid
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/people-diabetes-struggle-find-ozempic-soars-popularity-weight-loss-aid-rcna64916 - Ludwig Burger and Eva Mathews (2023). Novo rations Ozempic starter kits amid surge in use for weight loss
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/novo-nordisk-says-diabetes-drugs-shortages-will-persist-through-2024-2023-11-21/ - WebMD (2022). Supplements for Weight Loss
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/herbal-remedies - Michelle Pugle (2023). What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic?
https://www.health.com/what-happens-stop-taking-ozempic-8406764
Current Version
March 21, 2024
Written By
John DiBella
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
John DiBella is the co-founder and CEO at The Sanctuary Wellness Institute. His goal is to foster healthier lifestyles to improve individuals’ quality of life and health span through online medical and non-medical services. When he’s not writing blogs about medical marijuana, he enjoys hiking, camping, surfing and sailing.
