2023-10-23 17:05:00
In recent weeks, Ozempic, this medication often used in cases of type 2 diabetes, has been out of stock. The cause is always the same: it is misused and used by people who want to lose weight.
The Minister of Health has decided to react. Franck Vandenbroucke will therefore propose to the Working Group on the unavailability of medicines that this medicine be reserved for patients with type 2 diabetes: “It is necessary to protect this valuable medicine for those who absolutely need it. Without this medication, these patients run real health risks “, explains the minister.
Recommendations have already been given to doctors: ” We have told doctors that they must reserve this drug for their patients who have type 2 diabetes. But we see that this strategy does not work. “
The Minister of Health will therefore propose to the working group which deals with unavailable medicines to react: “The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday morning. I am going to propose legislating in this area, to have a directive on a clear legal basis and therefore to reserve this medicine.“
The decision has therefore not yet been made: ” I must wait for the opinion of this working group before going any further,” adds the minister, “there will perhaps be nuances, details to be clarified.”
“I know this medication can also be helpful for people who are morbidly obese. It is therefore obviously necessary to discuss it. But I am convinced that we need a strong and legal signal because simple recommendations are not enough“, adds the Minister of Health.
This decision should be temporary: “Until a few weeks, a few months. Just the time needed, we cannot predict what will happen in terms of the production and availability of this drug so it will be a temporary measure.“
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