(WKBN) – More and more people are turning to medications like Ozempic, Trulicity and others to lose weight, and they are even prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes, but a nationwide shortage of these medications has some patients wondering where to go for help.
Lois Gernert, who has type 2 diabetes, said she was unable to pick up her prescription at the pharmacy.
For people with diabetes, these medications can help lower their A1C, which is important for those managing type 2 diabetes, but one side effect that people notice is weight loss.
“All of the commercials out there, in the fine print, if you read it carefully, it says, ‘This isn’t for weight loss, but it might help you lose a few pounds,'” Garnert says.
WKBN called several pharmacies and they reported similar shortages of Trulicity and similar drugs.
Some pharmacies reported that the manufacturer is allocating limited supplies, while others reported that they will send notifications to patients in need as soon as supplies are in stock, but on a first-come, first-served basis.
During times of shortages, doctors may recommend purchasing lower doses.
“Let’s say someone is taking 4.5 milligrams of Trulicity, but we have 3 milligrams and 1.5 milligrams in stock. If they take that 2 milligrams, they can take them at the same time,” said Benjamin Blocker with Mercy Health.
