Update on the supply of Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists: Notice

Date published: March 1, 2024
Date updated: April 18, 2024

On this page

• About GLP-1 receptor agonists
• Latest update on supply
• What we're doing
• Recommendations for patients

About GLP-1 receptor agonists

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and dual GLP-1/GIP (glucose-dependent insulintropic polypeptide) receptor agonists are used to treat adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We have seen high demand around the world, including in Canada.

Supply issues have affected the following products:

• Ozempic (Semaglutide), a GLP-1
• Trulicity (dulaglutide), a GLP-1
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a dual GLP-1/GIP

Health Canada recognizes the importance of these products for people in Canada. Addressing this issue is a top priority.

Latest update on supply

In Canada, Ozempic is marketed by Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., while Trulicity and Mounjaro are marketed by Eli Lilly Canada Inc.

Novo Nordisk has advised Health Canada that the following shortages of Ozempic (semaglutide) have been resolved:

• 1 mg pens on January 18, 2024
• 0.25 mg/0.5 mg pens on February 17, 2024

Eli Lilly has advised Health Canada that, depending on the strength of the dosage, it expects shortages to end:

• on May 31, 2024, for Trulicity (dulaglutide)
• between June 1 and July 1, 2024, for Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

While Eli Lilly continues to receive additional supplies, products may not always be available at pharmacies.

Both companies are making efforts to increase manufacturing capacity to be able to meet demand.

What we're doing

Health Canada is working with manufacturers, distributors and stakeholders to monitor supply. We're also looking at how these products can be made more available.

We have engaged groups representing health care providers and patients, such as Diabetes Canada, Diabète Québec and Obesity Canada. We're also communicating with the provincial and territorial governments and regulators in other impacted countries.

We will update this webpage when we have new information to share.

Recommendations for patients

You should contact your pharmacy well before your current supply will run out.

If you have questions or concerns about this drug, speak to a health care provider, such as your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: The practice of pharmacy and medicine are overseen by professional colleges in each province and territory.