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

Background

Dulaglutide (Trulicity) is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medicines called GLP-1 agonists.

Approximately 25,000 people are being dispensed dulaglutide or liraglutide in a community setting.

In September 2022, Pharmac was informed by the supplier (Eli Lilly) of a supply issue for dulaglutide (Trulicity). This was due to unanticipated increases in global demand for dulaglutide and other GLP-1 agonists.

Clinical advice highlighted the importance of prioritising available stock for those already taking dulaglutide and advised an alternative treatment should be made available to relieve some pressure on the demand for dulaglutide. Following this, Pharmac decided to list liraglutide (Victoza) as an alternative GLP-1 agonist on the Pharmaceutical Schedule from March 2023.

The global demand for these medicines has continued to grow rapidly, leading to a global supply shortage for both medicines.

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 that supply issues with medicines can be frustrating. We have made this decision so that people receiving funded dulaglutide and liraglutide can continue to access them.

We’ve heard that regular access to these medicines around the motu is becoming more difficult. Supply is likely to be variable from pharmacy to pharmacy due to differences in local and wholesaler supply.

If you are missing doses because of you can’t regularly access your medicine, we strongly advise you to discuss other treatment options with your prescriber.

No new patients

From 1 May 2024, access to dulaglutide and liraglutide was limited to people already taking these medicines.

The demand for these medicines has grown rapidly both here and overseas, leading to a global supply shortage.

The suppliers of dulaglutide (Eli Lilly) and liraglutide (Novo Nordisk) in New Zealand have advised Pharmac that stock of both medicines for 2024 and 2025 is only enough to meet current demand.

Between December 2023 and March 2024, almost 5,000 new people started on one of these medicines. If this trend had continued, there would not be enough of these medicines for everyone.

Our Diabetes Advisory Committee and key partners, including the New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes and Diabetes New Zealand, highlighted the importance of maintaining the supply of these medicines for people already taking them.

Pharmac funds other medicines for type 2 diabetes that people can access.

We understand it is frustrating when there are supply issues with medicines. We carefully considered all our options before making this decision.

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 manually allocating stock to wholesalers to avoid regional out-of-stock events. Contact the suppliers if you have any questions about the supply of these medicines: 

• dulaglutide stock, contact Eli Lilly(external link).
• liraglutide stock, contact Novo Nordisk.(external link) 

Pharmac continues to work closely with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to monitor stock levels. We will take additional measures as needed to ensure people continue to receive their medication.

Information for prescribers

From 1 May 2024, Pharmac is limiting funded access to dulaglutide and liraglutide to people already taking these diabetes medicines.

The demand for these medicines has grown rapidly both here and overseas, leading to a global supply shortage.

The suppliers of dulaglutide (Eli Lilly) and liraglutide (Novo Nordisk) in New Zealand have advised Pharmac that stock of both medicines for 2024 and 2025 is only enough to meet current demand.

Between December 2023 and March 2024, almost 5,000 new people started on one of these medicines. If this trend continued, we would not have enough supply of these medicines for everyone and people currently taking the medicine would have difficulty filling their prescriptions.

Our Diabetes Advisory Committee and key partners, including the New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes and Diabetes New Zealand, have highlighted the importance of maintaining the supply of these medicines for people already taking them.

Prescribers should consider clinically appropriate alternative medications, including SGLT2 inhibitors.

NZ Formulary guidance on SGLT2 inihibitors(external link)

Schedule listings for SGLT2 inhibitors(external link)

We understand it is frustrating when there are supply issues with medicines. We have carefully considered all our options before making this decision.

We will continue monitoring the situation and taking additional measures to ensure people continue receiving their medication.

Who to contact

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

If you have questions about dulaglutide stock, contact Eli Lilly(external link).

If you have questions about liraglutide stock, contact Novo Nordisk.(external link)

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