South Africans, particularly those living with Type 2 diabetes, are feeling the ongoing effects of a shortage of Ozempic, a medication that helps control blood sugar levels. The shortage has become increasingly problematic, as diabetes remains the leading cause of death in the country. Patients who rely on Ozempic for managing their condition are struggling to find the medication, which has been exacerbated by the rising demand from individuals using it for weight loss purposes.
Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind Ozempic, recently confirmed that the drug will remain in short supply for the remainder of the year. The Ozempic Medicine Shortage Action Group (MSAG) assured the public that they are closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with health professionals and organizations. “We continue to work closely with Novo Nordisk and relevant health professional and consumer organizations to monitor the supply situation and will provide regular updates,” the group stated.
Martha Ndlala, a Type 2 diabetes patient, shared her frustrations with Zimoja, explaining the toll the shortage has taken on her health. “I’ve been living with this illness for years, and finding the drug has become nearly impossible. My health has taken a knock because of this. I check with my doctor regularly, but it’s a struggle,” she said. Ozempic is a weekly injection that aids in blood sugar control by helping the pancreas produce more insulin, but it is not officially approved as a weight loss drug. Nevertheless, some doctors prescribe it for this purpose, leading to an increase in demand from those seeking to shed pounds.
Jabu Hlope, who has struggled with weight loss for many years, also turned to Ozempic after hearing about its success as a weight loss aid. “I tried it to lose weight, and it worked for me. I’ve lost over 80kg, and I’m really happy with my body now,” he said. While Ozempic is not intended for weight loss, its effectiveness in helping some individuals shed pounds has made it popular among those battling obesity, including celebrities.
The ongoing shortage of Ozempic is creating a complex situation, as those with legitimate medical needs find themselves competing with others who are using the drug for non-medical purposes. As patients wait for the supply chain to stabilize, the situation underscores the challenges of managing both healthcare needs and the increasing popularity of medications used off-label for weight loss.
