Pharmacies in Ireland are reportedly running low on a drug created for diabetics after one TikTok video claimed Kim Kardashian used it to shed pounds ahead of a red carpet event.
Since the claim was made, hundreds of videos followed with people explaining how the injectables can be used for effective weight loss when prescribed by a GP.
The huge response to this latest craze has led to the HSE having to write to GPs and warn them against giving Ozempic to non-diabetics after the huge demand left some pharmacies with very low stock, according to the Irish Sun.
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Ozempic is normally prescribed to Type 2 diabetics as a method to help control blood sugar, insulin levels, and digestion.
However, the interest in the drug has since increased tenfold among those wishing to shed fat quickly and is now widely being promoted for its lesser-known benefits.
Ozempic is an expensive treatment that must be administered each week and one pen that contains four doses costs around €160 in Ireland.
Another drug being promoted online for similar effects is Wegovy (Semaglutide), however, the HSE has said it is not available in Ireland and warned that "the management of weight loss is not approved under any Community Drug Scheme or arrangement.
A spokesperson for the HSE said: “The HSE has recently received a pricing and reimbursement application for Wegovy (Semaglutide) for the management of weight loss.
“The HSE does not reimburse medicines or agree reimbursement terms in advance of the completion of the required processes and considerations under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
“Therefore, Semaglutide for the management of weight loss is not approved under any Community Drug Scheme or arrangement.
“The Marketing Authorisation Holder has communicated that Wegovy is licensed in Ireland for the treatment of weight management, however, Wegovy is not currently available on the Irish market.”
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