A new National Patient Safety Alert has been issued regarding the ongoing shortages of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). Supplies are not expected to return to normal until at least the end of 2024.

The supply issues have been caused by an increase in demand for these products for licensed and off-label indications, says the Department of Health and Social Care.

GLP-1 RAs licensed for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) should not be prescribed for off-label indications, the medicines regulator emphasises. Existing stock must be conserved for patients with T2DM to mitigate the risk of impaired access to treatment and increased risk in diabetes-related complications.

Preparations affected include Ozempic, Trulicity, Victoza, Saxenda and Byetta.

The alert provides further clinical information and actions for providers.

Article corrected January 6 to say the alert was issued by DHSC and not MHRA, as originally published.