Ozempic is from today reserved for patients with type 2 diabetes and severe obesity

Pharmacists in Belgium must reserve the popular drug Ozempic from today/Tuesday for patients with type 2 diabetes and a limited number of people with increasing obesity. The Royal Decree drawn up by Minister of Health Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) has been published in the Belgian Official Gazette.

The popular Ozempic lowers blood sugar levels and is intended for diabetics. But because it also appears to cause weight loss, global demand exploded, resulting in shortages.

In our country, the more limited availability will continue until next summer, warns Minister Vandenbroucke, who decided in October to reserve Ozempic for diabetics and people with a BMI of at least 35, or at least 30 in combination with at least one weight-related comorbidity. The Royal Decree that he made for this purpose was published in the Official Gazette on Tuesday and has now entered into force. Pharmacists and doctors must give priority to the two groups involved as long as Ozempic is available in limited quantities.

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“At a time of scarcity, it is my responsibility to ensure that the people who need the medicine the most really get access,” says Vandenbroucke. “This is an important medicine for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. If they cannot take this medicine, it can lead to dysregulation of their blood sugar levels.”