The NHS is currently facing supply issues with glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), a range of drugs used for managing blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

The global shortage in supply is partly due to a surge in off label prescriptions of the drug semaglutide being issued for weight loss which is outstripping supply.

We are urging clinicians to follow new Department for Health and Social Care guidance which states clinicians should not prescribe these drugs outside of their licensed use until the supply issues are rectified.

In this guide:

• Why are there supply issues with GLP-1 RAs?
• Prescriptions
• Private prescriptions
• Other effects of stopping GLP-1s
• Possible end of shortage
• What are Diabetes UK doing?