GPs are being urged not to prescribe semaglutide (Ozempic) off label for obesity management as surging demand has created a shortage of the drug for people with type 2 diabetes. 

Semaglutide manufacturer Novo Nordisk has informed the TGA that both strengths of the Ozempic pre-filled pen are in short supply as a result of an unexpected increase in patient demand.

Some commentators have linked the sudden intense interest in semaglutide to social media ‘influencers’ on TikTok spruiking its weight loss benefits, precipitating a rash of requests to doctors for the drug. 

“The increased demand is due to extensive prescribing for obesity management, for which Ozempic is not indicated,” the TGA says in a joint statement with peak medical bodies, including the RACGP and Australian Diabetes Society.