Health of thousands of diabetics is at risk due to Ozempic shortage
28.9.2023
Question for written answer E-002859/2023
to the Commission
Rule 138
Ioannis Lagos (NI)
There is a shortage of Ozempic inj.sol in Greek pharmacies. The drug is prescribed for the treatment of type II diabetes. Despite Ozempic being added to the list of drugs banned for export and the fact that it is administered exclusively with an electronic prescription, the measures taken are clearly unsatisfactory as it appears that treatment protocols are being circumvented and the approved indications for the drug to be prescribed exclusively to patients with type II diabetes are being disregarded since it is also being prescribed for weight loss. This careless prescription practice is preventing patients who really need it from receiving the treatment and is having a serious adverse effect on the availability of alternate drugs for type II diabetes (Trulicity, Saxenda, Victoza, etc.).
In view of the fact that it is not only Greece but also other EU Member States that are facing an Ozempic shortage:
- 1.Is the Commission aiming to reach an agreement with pharmaceutical companies to ensure the needs of EU countries are met as regards the supply of this drug?
- 2.What measures does it plan to take to prevent treatment protocols from being circumvented and the health of diabetics being put at risk?
Submitted: 28.9.2023