Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for GLP-1 receptor agonists used in the management of type 2 diabetes on Tuesday (27 June).
“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 (T2DM),” said DHSC.
The supply issues have been caused by an increase in demand for these products for licensed and off-label indications and it is not expected to return to normal until at least mid-2024.
Pharmacists are urged to refer to the SPS Tool for Medicines Shortages for an up-to-date supply stock situation and clinical guidance on alternative treatment options.
A copy of this medicine supply notification, including further information for pharmacy teams, has been sent to all pharmacy NHS email addresses. This includes- Annex 1: Selecting Alternative Glucose Lowering Therapy for People with T2DM when GLP1-RAs are unavailable; Annex 2: Quick reference guide for selecting oral antidiabetic therapy; Annex 3: Oral Glucose Lowering Therapies by Class; and Annex 4 : GLP-1 RAs affected.
The SPS Medicines Supply Tool will be updated for stock position of all GLP1 RAs and the SPS website will have a dedicated GLP1 RA page.
