Semaglutide (Ozempic®) and dulaglutide (Trulicity®) are two drugs used for type 2 diabetes; they belong to the family of GLP-1 (aGLP-1) analogues. Schematically, these two antidiabetics (which are used by injection) stimulate the release of insulin when the level of glucose in the blood is high; they also slow the emptying of the stomach and reduce the secretion of glucagon, a hormone whose role is precisely to raise blood sugar.
This Monday, September 26, 2022, theNational Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) reported “high supply tensions” and of “access difficulties” for Ozempic® and Trulicity®. In question: “a significant increase in global demand“. To anticipate a possible shortage without penalizing patients, the ANSM has therefore put in place recommendations.
Do not change your treatment without medical advice!
I am being treated with Ozempic® or Trulicity®, what do I do? First, do not change your treatment without medical advice. If your pharmacist can no longer deliver your treatment, make an appointment quickly with your doctor: if necessary, he or she can prescribe an alternative adapted to your situation.
The ANSM thus proposes to reserve GLP-1 (aGLP-1) analogues for type 2 diabetic patients who have a history of cardiovascular event – myocardial infarction, stroke, etc. – and/or atherosclerotic lesions.
The alternative is drugs that inhibit sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) such as dapagliflozin: these reduce the renal reabsorption of glucose and promote its urinary excretion, independently of the action of insulin.
