Patient Information Leaflet – Important Information About Your Diabetes Medication

Why have I been sent this leaflet?

You have been sent this leaflet as we have identified that you are taking a GLP-1 analogue for type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 analogues include: Dulaglutide (Trulicity®), Exenatide (Byetta® or Bydureon®), Semaglutide (Ozempic® or Rybelsus®), Liraglutide (Victoza®), Lixisenatide (Lyxumia®).

Unfortunately, there are widespread national stock shortages with all these medicines.

Why are there drug shortages?

Shortages are due to increased demand for these drugs.

When will these shortages be resolved?

Supply is not expected to return until at least the middle of 2024, although dates are uncertain.

What should I do about my diabetes medication during this time?

You should continue taking all your diabetes medication as normal, including your GLP-1 analogue if you have supply.

Will I need a review for my diabetes?

You may need an earlier review for your diabetes. We may ask for a monitoring blood test sooner than planned.

Will my diabetes treatment need to change?

Your diabetes treatment may need to be changed in view of the shortage. A member of the team will contact you if this is necessary and discuss options.

Where can I get further information about this?

We do not have any further information about the shortage or return to stock dates. We are dealing with a lot of telephone calls, so please bear this in mind before considering contacting your GP.

What do I do if I feel unwell?

If you feel unwell with symptoms of high blood glucose such as

  • feeling very thirsty,
  • peeing a lot,
  • feeling weak or tired,
  • blurred vision,
  • losing weight,

Please seek a GP appointment at the earliest opportunity.

Please call 111 for help if you think you have high blood glucose and:

  • you’re feeling sick,
  • being sick or have stomach pain,
  • you’re breathing more quickly than usual, or your heart is beating faster than usual,
  • you feel drowsy or are struggling to stay awake,
  • your breath has a fruity smell (like pear drop sweets),
  • you feel confused or have difficulty concentrating,
  • you have a high level of ketones in your blood or pee.

These could be signs you are becoming very unwell.

Published on 14 July 2023