Updates

The Department of Health and Social Care has released a notification regarding medicine supply for GLP-1 receptor agonists used to manage type 2 diabetes. It says there are very limited, intermittent supplies of all glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) licensed in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Supply is not expected to return to normal until at least mid-2024.

The supply issues have been caused by an increase in demand for these products for licensed and off-label indications. Practitioners are asked to refer to the SPS Tool for Medicines Shortages for an up-to-date supply stock situation and clinical guidance on alternative treatment options.

This medicine supply notification, including further information for pharmacy teams, includes:

The online Medicines Supply Tool, from the Department for Health and Social Care and NHS England, has up to date information about medicine supply issues. This can be found at: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sps.nhs.uk%2Fhome%2Ftools%2Fmedicines-supply-tool%2F&reauth=1.

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