Dulaglutide (Trulicity) and Liraglutide (Victoza): Supply issue

Supply issue Active

There are global constraints on the supply of GLP-1 agonists which are funded to treat diabetes. The suppliers of both dulaglutide (Eli Lilly) and liraglutide (Novo Nordisk) have advised Pharmac that they can secure enough stock for current patients only.

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Update 27 March 2024

We are aware that accessing these medicines is becoming more challenging due to the increase in demand globally and in New Zealand over the past few months. 

We are currently working with our clinical advice network and diabetes stakeholders to determine the best next step to safeguard the supply for people currently taking dulaglutide and liraglutide during this global supply issue.

The shortage will vary from pharmacy to pharmacy due to local and wholesale supply differences. If you are encountering persistent difficulties in locating pharmacies with available stock, resulting in missed doses, we strongly advise you to discuss potential alternative treatment options with your prescriber.

New Zealanders’ health and well-being remain our paramount concern, and we are dedicated to facilitating the best possible outcomes in these challenging circumstances.

Background

Demand for GLP-1 agonists such as dulaglutide, which are funded in New Zealand for the treatment of Diabetes, has grown globally and has resulted in a supply constraint. Eli Lilly has advised us that the supply constraint will continue until the end of 2024.

Eli Lilly’s statement about the shortage(external link)

The suppliers of both dulaglutide (Eli Lilly) and liraglutide (Novo Nordisk) have advised Pharmac that they can only secure enough stock for people currently taking these medicines.

To ensure people currently taking dulaglutide and liraglutide can continue to access these medicines, Pharmac amended the Special Authority criteria for GLP-1 Agonists from 1 November 2023. New initiations are restricted to people with type 2 diabetes who are high-risk and have no other appropriate treatment options.

Affected products

  • Chemical: dulaglutide
  • Brand: Trulicity
  • Supplier: Eli Lilly
  • Measure: Inj 1.5mg per 0.5 ml, prefilled pen
  • Pharmacode: 2617722

Pharmaceutical Schedule listing for dulaglutide(external link)

  • Chemical: liraglutide
  • Brand: Victoza
  • Supplier: Novo Nordisk
  • Measure: Inj 6 mg per ml, 3 ml prefilled pen
  • Pharmacode: 2653990

Pharmaceutical Schedule listing for liraglutide(external link)

People who are taking dulaglutide or liraglutide

We understand it is frustrating when there are supply issues with medicines, and we are doing what we can to safeguard the supply for people currently taking dulaglutide and liraglutide.

The shortage will be variable from pharmacy to pharmacy due to differences in local and wholesaler supply. If you are struggling to source these treatments from a pharmacy, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

We are working with our clinical advice network to identify what additional steps we can take to ensure you can continue to access your medicine during this global supply issue. 

Learn more about these treatments:

Information for pharmacists

We appreciate all you are doing to support people through this supply issue. Thank you for reaching out to let us know about the problems you’re facing.

Both suppliers are, or will be, manually allocating stock to wholesalers to avoid regional out-of-stock events. If you have any questions about the supply of these agents, please talk to your wholesaler in the first instance. 

Pharmac will continue to work closely with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to monitor stock levels, and take any additional measures as required to ensure patients continue to receive their medication.

Information for healthcare professionals

There are global constraints on the supply of GLP-1 agonists, which are funded in New Zealand for the treatment of Diabetes. Our suppliers of both dulaglutide (Eli Lilly) and liraglutide (Novo Nordisk) do not have enough stock to cater to the rapid increase in demand. For this reason, we are trying our best to preserve dulaglutide and liraglutide for people already taking it for type 2 diabetes, on advice from our Diabetes Advisory Committee.

We want to reduce the risk of people being unable to fill their prescriptions. To ensure people currently taking dulaglutide and liraglutide can continue to access these medicines, Pharmac amended the Special Authority criteria for GLP-1 Agonists from 1 November 2023. New initiations are restricted to people with type 2 diabetes who are high-risk and have no other appropriate treatment options.

We understand it is frustrating when there are supply issues with medicines. We all have a role in ensuring that stock is available to those currently accessing the treatment.

We are working with our clinical advice network to identify what additional steps we can take to ensure people can continue to access their medicine during this global supply issue.

Who to contact

If you have questions, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

If you have questions about how to treat type 2 diabetes, please talk to your health professional.