Shortage of GLP-1 Agonists: Recommendations for Prescribers

CSEM has been working with Health Canada over the past several weeks regarding ongoing shortages of GLP-1 agonists, including Ozempic (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide). Please read the full December 6, 2023, update and recommendations developed by Health Canada, CSEM, the Canadian Pharmacists Association, the Neighbourhood Pharmacies Association of Canada, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists:

• English: Notice: Recommendations while Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists are in shortage
• Français: Avis: Recommandations pendant la pénurie d’Ozempic et d’autres agonistes du récepteur GLP-1

Recommendations for prescribers:

• Do not start new patients on these drugs that are in shortage, unless there are no suitable alternatives and there’s a clinical reason to do so.
• Consider prescribing an alternative drug for patients taking one of these drugs that are in shortage, as a continuous supply can’t be guaranteed.
• Conserve the existing supply for patients who are stabilized and have no other treatment options.

Resources:

Access resources from the Canadian Pharmacists Association and medSask, a not-for-profit that supports appropriate prescribing and medication safety, on alternatives:

• guidance for pharmacy professionals and prescribers
• alternative therapies for type 2 diabetes mellitus
• alternative therapies for obesity

CSEM will continue to advocate for uninterrupted supply of medications to ensure the well-being of patients, and we'll keep you informed. Shortage and discontinuation reports are available on the Drug Shortages Canada website.