Senior manager at the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, Deon Poovan says globally there is a concern over a shortage of a medicine used for type 2 diabetes known as Ozempic. It is believed the shortage is a result of use of the medication for weight loss.

Ozempic is a weekly injection that helps lower blood sugar by helping the pancreas make more insulin.

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Poovan who had a discussion with eNCA said in 2018 diabetes became the second deadliest disease in South Africa, after tuberculosis.

He explained that Ozempic in South Africa has been registered to be administered for type 2 diabetes patients. "Doctors should be prescribing the use of Ozempic for type 2 diabetes. Globally this medicine is known to be used for weight loss and because it is registered for weight loss in other countries, doctors here are aware that it can be used for weight loss."

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Poovan said what doctors then do is prescribe it off label and not what it has been approved for.

"Therefore, there's a demand for the Ozempic which then causes a shortage for the people that need it for their chronic condition. Globally there is a shortage of Ozempic and it has been reported by the company that this will continue until the end of 2024. However, there are other options that doctors can prescribe for type two diabetes."

Poovan explained that with these type of products you need to use them under the care of a doctor in case you experience severe side effects.

He said some of the common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and dizziness.

"It's very important that if you experience any side affects after you've been prescribed that you report it because you need to be assisted."