“We are in the perfect storm. The supply is running out. We receive something regularly, but not enough to meet demand,” explained Benoit Morin, president of the Quebec Association of Pharmacist Owners.
Demand has exploded since the drug hit the market in Quebec in 2019.
“The request surprised the supplier or was misjudged by the supplier. “There are not enough products available in the Canadian market,” said François P. Turgeon, clinical assistant professor at the University of Montreal.
According to the Régie de l'assurance santé du Québec (RAMQ), 10,875 people covered by the public plan took the drug in October 2020. In October 2022, almost 22,000 people took it, and in October 2023, more than 44,000 people took it.
“We are committed to switching prescriptions to other molecules for the majority of our patients,” Mr. Morin said.
In addition, the Order of Pharmacists of Quebec, the College of Physicians of Quebec and the Order of Nurses of Quebec have recommended their members not to introduce their patients to Ozempic, both for weight loss and diabetes.
Watch Sabrina Rivet's report in the video.