The shortage of Ozempic medication continues to grip South Africans, especially those living with diabetes. They are feeling it the most as they don't get the medication they need and according to research, Type 2 diabetes is the top killer in the country. The shortage is also attributed to the fact that some people use it as a weight loss drug.

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Novo Nordisk recently advised that the drug will continue to be in short supply for the remainder of this year and patients will have to wait for there to be ample supply. "We continue to work closely with Novo Nordisk and relevant health professional and consumer organisations to monitor and will give regular updates," The Ozempic Medicine Shortage Action Group (MSAG) said.

PATIENTS FEELING THE PINCH

Martha Ndlala, who has been living with type 2 diabetes told Zimoja that she's been having problems with finding Ozempic medication and she said that this is affecting her health. "I've been living with this illness for years and the problem I have is finding the drug is next to impossible and my health has taken a knock because of this, and I check with my doctor regularly," she said. Ozempic is a weekly injection that helps lower blood sugar by helping the pancreas make more insulin. It is not approved for weight loss, but some physicians prescribe it to be used for weight loss. Even celebrities use it for weight loss.

Jabu Hlope, who has been experiencing weight loss issues for many years without success said, "I heard of the drug and I tried it to lose weight and it worked on me I have even told some of my friends who are struggling with weight loss issues about it. It is really effective because I've lost more than 80kg and I love how my body looks now," he said.