Social media frenzy sparks serious shortage of important diabetic drug

There’s a shortage of a critical diabetic medication due to a social media craze promoting it as a miracle weight loss drug.

Semaglutide, which is sold as Ozempic, is a prescription injectable drug used to manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.

But diabetes specialist at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Dr Gary Deed, says many of his diabetic patients are struggling to fill their scripts.

Semaglutide it can lead to weight loss and the United States recently approved it for obesity management, sparking a surge in Australians seeking the drug to manage their weight.

Dr Deed says doctors are “absolutely” prescribing it to obese patients who do not have diabetes.

“It’s an interesting conundrum because [of] this phenomena of people seeking instant access to weight loss cures,” he told Ross and Russel.

“I think people have been aware of this drug due to activity in the United States and social media, so more and more people are seeking not just this drug but other drugs to address their obesity.”

Those taking the drug for weight loss are warned it can can cause nausea and vomiting, and may not be suitable for those with thyroid issues.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has urged doctors to give diabetics priority for scripts for the drug.

Press PLAY below to hear more about the drug + why the shortage is a serious concern