The Ozempic Problem

?A recent study by CADTH, a non-profit government-funded organization using objective evidence to advise decision-makers on optimal drug use, conducted an analysis to understand why Ozempic utilization was increasing from 2019 -2022. To understand the rapid jump in Ozempic prescriptions, CADTH looked at drug plans, both private and public. Last year alone, use of Ozempic, off-label or for weight loss, was 15% in Ontario’s public drug plans and in private and federal plans, it was between 36 – 74% in 2021. Expenditures on Ozempic have increased from $13.5 million in 2019 to $227 million in 2021 (https://bit.ly/3nNC8nI).

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Reformulary Group’s prescription data for public and private drug plans show the same soaring growth of Ozempic off-label use for weight loss; it has more than doubled since 2020. At the same time, there is no dramatic increase in the sale of other drugs which treat diabetes.

And yet, Ozempic has not been studied for weight loss. The disappearing pounds are a “side effect” of the drug.?Wegovy?, which is the brand name for a distinct version of semaglutide, Ozempic’s main active ingredient, received Health Canada approval in November 2021 to treat obesity. Novo Nordisk planned to launch the drug in the fall of 2022, however, due to overwhelming demand in other countries (especially the U.S.), Novo Nordisk reportedly sidelined its launch indefinitely ( https://bitly.ws/LXoK) . And until it available, many Canadians, wanting to lose weight, are turning to Ozempic.

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Another new drug, Mounjaro? (tirzepatide) has been approved for type 2 diabetes in Canada and holds promise for weight loss. According to some clinical reports, it may work better for losing weight than semaglutide; however, it is not yet available to Canadians.

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Health Canada must step in to protect the supply of Ozempic for diabetics and to protect the health of Canadians seeking a weight loss solution. Before a drug can be sold, Health Canada requires clinical trials to show the drug is safe and effective. ?

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As well, regulatory intervention is needed to tamp down the abundance of Ozempic advertising. The Pharmaceutical Advertising Advisory Board (PAAB) is mandated “to protect Canadians by ensuring that healthcare product advertising meets the regulatory, scientific, therapeutic, and ethical standards outlined in the Code of Advertising Acceptance”. (https://www.paab.ca/). Drug advertising should have the PAAB seal of approval before entering the marketplace. Does Ozempic advertising for diabetes treatment with a wink and a nod to weight loss meet the Canadian regulatory framework?

What’s to be done to protect diabetic medication supply and protect people from long- and short-term health risks? ?

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While addressing Canada’s obesity problem is a priority, it can’t be done at the expense of diabetics and the well-being of Canadians. We encourage Health Canada and PAAB to take action, immediately and preserve Ozempic for its intended use, treating diabetes.