Surge in Ozempic prescriptions highlights limited access and drug shortage struggles for diabetics
Prescription rates for the diabetes medication Ozempic have varied dramatically across 15 major metropolitan areas in the United States, with increases of 481% in Cleveland and 351% in Seattle, but only 48% in Minneapolis and 79% in Boston. These variations are not correlated with rates of diabetes, obesity, or heart disease in the communities. The data also reveals that about half of the prescriptions for Ozempic went to people without a diabetes diagnosis, indicating off-label prescribing. The popularity of Ozempic surged after the approval of Wegovy, a higher-dose version of the same medication for weight loss. The study highlights the need for ethical prescribing practices and better coverage for obesity medications.