Written question WQ88153
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 6 days
Question
What discussions has the Minister had with health boards regarding the availability of semaglutide across Wales?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
There is currently a UK wide supply issue affecting semaglutide (Ozempic®). In October 2022 the Welsh Government issued a Medicines Shortage Letter to health boards and general practitioners advising them of the shortage and recommending patients with insufficient supplies be switched to an alternative GLP-1 receptor agonist, where clinically appropriate. Supplies of Ozempic® in all strengths are expected to remain unavailable until early in 2024.
The UK Government has responsibility for maintaining the supply of medicines and we are working closely with the UK Government, NHS Wales, GPs and community pharmacies to ensure patients continue to receive the medicines they need.
A new semaglutide preparation (Wegovy®) indicated for use in the treatment of obesity, was due to launch in the UK in autumn 2022, however demand from other markets has forced the manufacturer to delay its launch.
Anyone who is having difficulty obtaining treatment should contact their doctor or pharmacist to discuss what alternatives might be available.