In Spain, until now, only Ozempic It was available on the market as a treatment for diabetes, but its off-label use for weight loss was widely known. The prescription of these medications was carried out, for the most part, with the knowledge and approval of doctors, given the frequent correlation between overweight and elevated blood glucose levels.
However, the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) has indicated that some pharmacies have incurred irregular practices, prescribing these drugs for unapproved uses or without following the guidelines of the health authorities. Furthermore, the dispensing of these medications without the necessary medical prescription has been reported, a situation in which the Aemps has warned about the possible administrative consequences in accordance with current legislation.
It may interest you: With shots and their hands tied: this is how they found the remains of 10 people in a mass grave in Barranco de Víznar (Granada)
The growing demand has created shortages, affecting diabetic patients who require these medications to control their condition. With the authorization of Wegovy, specifically approved for weight control, it is expected to alleviate this situation upon its introduction into the Spanish market scheduled for next May. In this way, we seek to offer an alternative for those looking for a treatment to lose weight and, at the same time, resolve the problems. problems with access to Ozempic for diabetic patients.
Problems in the supply of these medications have persisted since 2022, despite the measures implemented by the Aemps to mitigate the situation, including updating guidelines in September 2023. The agency continues to strive to ensure the availability of these therapies, prioritizing its use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, given the interruption in the marketing of alternatives such as ‘Byetta’ and ‘Lyxumia’. The Aemps maintains an updated record of supply problems to facilitate the monitoring and management of these situations.
The AEMPS has also announced the availability of a new treatment for weight control, called wegovy (semaglutide), starting next May. This measure seeks to offer a solution to the persistent supply problems of similar medications, including Ozempic, frequently used in diabetes treatments and, in certain circumstances, for weight management.
The organization, dependent on the Ministry of Health, indicated that the main purpose of the new drug is to improve the availability of therapeutic options for patients affected by severe obesity. The treatment, which will also be applicable in cases of type 2 diabetes mellitusmust be accompanied by professional monitoring and a diet and exercise plan.
It may interest you: “Sex was a sin, but they practiced it on us and now they re-victimize us”: survivors of sexual abuse doubt that the Church will compensate them
GLP-1 analogue medications are authorized to improve glycemic control in the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) not sufficiently controlled with diet and exercise. Some are even approved for weight management in certain situations, like Saxenda. In both cases, the indication for weight control is always in combination with healthy nutrition and increased physical activity.
(Information prepared by EFE)
