Ensuring Sufficient Diabetes Medication Purchased Only for Prescribed Medical Use
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the supply and regulated use of GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy following global weight loss trends driven by social media. Member of Parliament Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim inquired about measures to secure stocks for diabetic patients and whether the Ministry tracks social media to anticipate demand. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung explained that these are Prescription Only Medicines requiring clinical assessment and can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a doctor. He noted that the Ministry of Health works with drug companies and healthcare institutions to monitor usage patterns, ensuring drug resiliency and minimizing treatment disruptions. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung also warned consumers about the significant health risks associated with using these medications inappropriately without proper clinical supervision.
Transcript
20 Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Health in light of the huge demand for diabetes medication Ozempic and Wegovy in the United States driven by weight loss trends on social media (a) what are the steps taken to ensure that diabetic patients in Singapore have sufficient stocks and that such medications are not purchased other than for their prescribed medical use; and (b) whether the Ministry tracks the latest social media trends to anticipate any demands on medications.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Ozempic and Wegovy contain Semaglutide and belong to the class of medicines called GLP-1 agonists. There are three GLP-1 agonists registered as Prescription Only Medicines (POMs) in Singapore to treat diabetes and weight management in specific patient populations. Doctors will assess patients' conditions and prescribe according to clinical guidelines. As POMs, Ozempic and Wegovy can only be obtained from a doctor or from a pharmacist with a prescription from a doctor.
While social media trends have marketed Ozempic and Wegovy as quick fixes for weight loss, it is important that consumers know the risks associated with these medicines. Like all POMs, there are considerable risks involved if a medication is used inappropriately, without a prescription and without clinical supervision.
The Ministry of Health works closely with healthcare institutions and drug companies to monitor local and international usage patterns to minimise potential disruption to treatment and to ensure drug resiliency.