National Patient Safety Alert: Shortage of GLP-1 receptor agonists

Message on behalf of DHSC and NHS as at 18 July 2023

The Department of Health Social Care (DHSC) and NHS have released a national patient safety alert in relation to a shortage of GLP-1 receptor agonists. 
 
The DHSC and NHS have said there are very limited, intermittent supplies of all glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). Supplies are not expected to stabilise to meet full market demand until at least mid-2024. 
 
Please see listed below the GLP-1RAs affected:
 
Semaglutide injection and tablets: 
• Ozempic® 0.25 mg, 0.5mg and 1mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen 
• Rybelsus® 3mg, 7mg and 14mg tablets 
 
Dulaglutide: 
• Trulicity® 0.75 mg, 1.5mg, 3mg and 4.5mg solution for injection in pre-filled pens 
 
Liraglutide: 
• Victoza® 6mg/ml solution for injection in prefilled pen 
• Saxenda® 6mg/ml solution for injection in prefilled pen [licensed for weight management]
 
Exenatide: 
• Byetta® 5micrograms/0.02ml and 10micrograms/0.04ml solution for injection 1.2ml pre-filled pens 
• Bydureon® 2mg/0.85ml prolonged-release suspension for injection 1.2ml pre-filled pens
 
The off-label use of relevant agents for the management of obesity is strongly discouraged. Existing stock must be conserved for use in patients with diabetes. These shortages have serious clinical implications in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes.
 
For additional information and guidance, please find the link to the announcement here: CAS-ViewAlert (mhra.gov.uk)