Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Benita Kolovos

Shortage of diabetes medication Ozempic after TikTok users promote drug for weight loss

A shot of some items used to treat diabetes - syringe, blood tester
‘The increased demand is due to extensive prescribing for obesity management, for which Ozempic is not indicated,’ a TGA statement read. Photograph: Alfsky/Getty Images

GPs are being asked to prioritise the diabetes medication Ozempic for people with the condition, after TikTok users began touting it as a weight loss treatment.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration earlier this month issued a joint statement with several medical bodies confirming a shortage of the injectable semaglutide medication, manufactured by Dutch pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, due to “unexpected increase in consumer demand”.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.