The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) have issued a National Patient Safety Alert regarding the shortage of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs).
A summary of the alert is provided below:
There are very limited, intermittent supplies of all GLP-1 RAs. Supplies are not expected to stabilise to meet full market demand until at least mid-2024. The supply issues have been caused by an increase in demand for these products for licensed and off-label indications.
The off-label use of these agents for the management of obesity is strongly discouraged. Existing stock must be conserved for use in patients with diabetes. These shortages have serious clinical implications in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes.
This National Patient Safety Alert provides further background and clinical information and actions for providers and is available on the Central Alerting System website.
