Thousands of Ozempic scripts written for under-18s, data show
Novo Nordisk says it does not support off-label use.
Under-18s are receiving scripts for the blockbuster semaglutide drug Ozempic despite it not being TGA-approved for children or adolescents.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing says 625 prescribers wrote 2832 scripts for Ozempic for under-18s between 2020-21 and 2023-24 under the PBS.
Some 1514 scripts were written in 2023-24.
Lack of data means the precise clinical indications for which the drug is being used is largely unknown.
