Novo battles off-label Ozempic

Unable to keep up with the off-label demand for Ozempic being used as a 'miracle' weight loss drug, Novo Nordisk has demanded the drug to be prioritised for its approved use.

In a joint statement developed with the TGA and relevant stakeholders, Novo said, "the shortage is significantly affecting people using Ozempic for its approved used for type 2 diabetes".

Both strengths of Ozempic (0.25/0.5 mg and 1 mg) have been in short supply since 15 April, a problem expected to last until 15 June due to an unexpected increase in consumer demand, the TGA's medicine shortage database shows.