HSC ‘closely monitoring’ local supply of weight loss drug

It said it would take some time for it to become available locally.

The NHS has announced that it is making available Wegovy, which is one registered name of the drug semaglutide.

Another brand of the drug is Ozempic, which is used in Guernsey as part of treatment to manage type two diabetes. Since one of its side effects is weight loss, it was also made available as a private prescription to some overweight patients.

However, since the middle of this year, the drug has been in short supply, which led to HSC asking doctors not to prescribe it for weight loss for the time being.

HSC said there were about 340 people in the island with diabetes who were taking Ozempic.

Wegovy is described as a stronger version of semaglutide and it is used solely for weight loss treatment.

Both versions of the drug are made by the same company. Wegovy was not intended for people who wanted to lose a little weight.

‘It has been studied and is licensed only in people whose excess body weight is causing them medical issues,’ said a spokesperson for HSC.

‘Unfortunately, the evidence is that most people regain much of the weight they lost when they stop.’

As far as HSC knew, Wegovy was not going to be made available until the middle of next year, but the NHS announced earlier this month that the manufacturer would be making a limited amount available.

‘HSC had no advance warning of this, so it will take some time for appropriate local arrangements for the service to be finalised and for us to access the product at the discounted price,’ it said.

First use of the drug often causes significant side-effects and so it is imperative that supplies for people taking it are maintained.

‘The company is greatly increasing capacity. The local situation is being monitored and further updates will be circulated in due course,’ said HSC.