Malaysia faces Ozempic shortage amid weight-loss craze

Amrahi Buang, president of the Malaysian Pharmacists Society, attributed the scarcity to non-diabetic individuals obtaining Ozempic for off-label weight loss purposes, The Straits Times reported. Although the drug typically requires a prescription, Amrahi noted it has become accessible through unconfirmed means.

The misuse of Ozempic carries potential side effects, including low blood sugar, he cautioned, urging the public to avoid using medications for unapproved purposes.

Rachel Gan, honorary secretary of the Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild, said some individuals self-prescribe the drug or purchase it online. She added that suppliers have resorted to rationing and limiting bulk orders to ensure wider accessibility.

Wong Teck Wee, a consultant interventional cardiologist at iHEAL Medical Center, warned that Ozempic use can result in side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and dehydration. There have also been reports of mood changes and psychological effects, including anxiety, he said.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recently announced it would review two Danish studies linking Ozempic to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare eye disease. According to Reuters, the studies suggest that individuals with type 2 diabetes who use Ozempic are more than twice as likely to develop the condition.