Doctors and pharmacists urged to prescribe Ozempic only to diabetics

The Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP) is urging Belgian doctors and pharmacists to prescribe the drug Ozempic only to patients with diabetes because of its "limited availability, which will certainly last until the beginning of 2024".

Ozempic was originally developed to help people with diabetes control and lower their blood sugar levels. However, clinical trials have shown that it is also an effective treatment for obese patients to help them lose weight. This has led to a surge in demand for the drug.

Ozempic is based on semaglutide. This substance lowers blood sugar levels but also suppresses appetite, making it popular with people trying to lose weight. It is only available on prescription in Belgium. Rybelsus, another drug based on semaglutide, is also currently unavailable.

"As long as availability is limited, priority should be given to Ozempic's approved indication," said FAMHP. "This is the treatment of adult patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Off-label use of Ozempic in these circumstances should be limited."

^{© BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}

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