Semaglutide could remain in short supply until the end of the year despite increased stock, the TGA has warned, amid concerns a rise in off-label prescribing for weight loss could spark another shortage.

The regulator’s shortage listing for the GLP-1 receptor agonist was due to expire on 30 June, but on Wednesday this was extended until 31 December following advice from the drug’s sponsor.

At the same time, the TGA relaxed its previous advice to prescribers against initiating new patients on the drug, with those who met the criteria and had not previously received semaglutide (Ozempic) now able to start treatment.

But Dr Gary Deed, chair of the RACGP Specific Interests Diabetes group, said he would not feel confident starting new patients on the medication just yet.