Diabetes patients unable to access drug Ozempic due to online weight loss craze

In recent months, there has been a spike in demand for Ozempic, or semaglutide, due to its weight loss benefits, which has led to shortages. Some doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label to treat obesity. Picture: Mario Tama/Getty

Some diabetes patients are being required to switch from the prescription drug Ozempic after an online weight loss craze resulted in shortages. 

Chemists in Cork are experiencing shortages of Ozempic, a drug approved by the HSE only to treat Type II diabetes, but which has been touted on TikTok as a weight loss wonder drug.