Tucson, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) – There has been a shortage of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes for months as non-diabetics use the drug to take advantage of its weight loss side effects.
Marketed under the name Ozempic, the drug has been trending on social media after many celebrities admitted to using it to lose weight.
While pointing out that it is not a weight loss drug, Ozempic website highlights weight loss side effects, stating that “adults may lose up to 14 pounds on average with this drug.”
The move to jump on this trend is leaving people on treatment for type 2 diabetes empty-handed because pharmacies can’t keep up with demand.
Cindy Harper Ayala, a type 2 diabetic, said, “I’m on my second month without an Ozempic and I’ve been getting calls everywhere trying to find out from someone.
People with type 2 diabetes nationwide are scrambling to get Ozempic. It can also be seen in Tucson, said Ocie Wilson, pharmacy director at El Rio Community Health.
“It’s been really hard. El Rio Health definitely has a lot of diabetes and it’s been very hard to get,” Wilson said.
Demand and supply are wreaking havoc on pharmacies that are just waiting for the next dose to arrive.
Harper Ayala said, “I called Canada to find out, but at this point I’m considering going back to Mexico.
Not all diabetics need this drug. There are alternative drugs such as Victoza and Trulicity. The problem is that the number of people using the drug for weight loss “outnumbers” those who need it to survive.
“Whether it’s for weight loss or other off-label use, at some point some of these situations will be reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration from off-label and then added to the label. There will be situations where it will be made and become part of, and use and production will change based on that,” says Marvasti.
Harper Ayala said she struggles to maintain her daily routine because of this shortage.
“Sometimes I’m scared to see my blood sugar when I do a blood test because sometimes it’s over 200. Now that I know what diabetes does to your body, That scares me,” said Harper Ayala.
Health professionals suggest talking to your healthcare provider about switching medications.
“I think staying in touch with your healthcare provider is the most important thing and not just stopping the medication,” Wilson said.
This deficiency doesn’t seem to go away overnight, so people taking medication for weight loss may want to consider alternatives.
“Whether you’re diabetic or trying to lose weight, including exercise, you’ll make dietary changes, but dietary changes, including adding more fiber or taking fiber supplements with food, can “It has the potential to have the same type of clinical outcome as a drug without side effects,” Marvasti said.
If you need a prescription for medicine and don’t have insurance, you’ll end up paying close to $1,000.
Monthly blood tests and tests are recommended to make sure your body is responding appropriately.
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