Medicine Supply Notification: GLP-1 receptor agonists* used in the management of type 2 diabetes
Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for GLP-1 receptor agonists* used in the management of type 2 diabetes.
*Annex 4 lists individual medicines affected
MSN/2023/061
Tier 3 – high impact
Date of issue 27th June 2023
- There are very limited, intermittent supplies of all glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) licensed in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
- Supply is not expected to return to normal until at least mid-2024.
- The supply issues have been caused by an increase in demand for these products for licensed and off-label indications.
- Please refer to the SPS Tool for Medicines Shortages for an up-to-date supply stock situation and clinical guidance on alternative treatment options.
A copy of this medicine supply notification, including further information for pharmacy teams, has been sent to all pharmacy NHS email addresses. This includes:
- Annex 1: Selecting Alternative Glucose Lowering Therapy for People with T2DM when GLP1-RAs are unavailable
- Annex 2: Quick reference guide for selecting oral antidiabetic therapy
- Annex 3: Oral Glucose Lowering Therapies by Class
- Annex 4 : GLP-1 RAs affected
The SPS Medicines Supply Tool will be updated for stock position of all GLP1 RAs
The SPS website will have a dedicated GLP1 RA page
DHSC and NHSE/I have now launched an online Medicines Supply Tool, which provides up to date information about medicine supply issues. The contents of these MSNs can now be viewed on the Tool.
The Tool also details any changes to resupply dates and updates to the entries.
To access the Tool you will need an NHS email address. Once set up and logged in, you will be able to access it online.
New shortages not listed on the SPS website, can be reported using our shortage reporting tool.
