Woman 'looked up and down' after asking for Ozempic in Irish pharmacy

Clare TD Cathal Crowe has raised serious concerns surrounding the supply of the controversial Ozempic drug after a Clare woman was “looked up and down” by a pharmacist when fulfilling a prescription.

The controversial drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity has been billed as a miracle weight loss drug, hitting the headlines in recent months with Hollywood celebrities looking for a quick fix for that red-carpet figure due to its weight loss effects. 

Currently, it is only licensed in Ireland to treat diabetes but some doctors are prescribing it off-label for patients with obesity. The drug has been “in short supply” in recent months according to the Irish Pharmacy Union, with patients forced to search numerous pharmacies.

Speaking in the Dáil this week, the TD recalled an incident involving a Clare woman when she attended a pharmacy to fulfil a prescription for Ozempic.

“I raise the issue of the supply of the drug Ozempic. Someone called into one of my advice clinics this week. She has been prescribed Ozempic by her GP and had gone to many pharmacists in County Clare and beyond trying to get this all-important medicine.

“When she went into one pharmacy, the pharmacist looked her up and down and asked her if she had diabetes or was obese. He asked this question in front of a queue of people. 

“Since when have pharmacists had a role in terms of diagnostics? If this person I mentioned appears at a pharmacy with a script, surely the intention is that it will be fulfilled and handed over to her, and then she will make her payment,” he said.

“Could the Minister of State tell me where the supply of Ozempic is at and if some circular or guidance could come from the Department of Health to give guidance to the pharmacists on who should be getting this drug and how it should be dispersed?

“Let us get them out of diagnostics or looking people up and down as they queue for this medicine,” he concluded.

In response, Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, said: “I thank the Deputy very much for his question. Some concerns have been raised about shortages of medicines. 

“This is a feature of modern health systems worldwide and a global health problem. I know this can cause stress and anxiety for patients and pharmacists. 

“Regarding the specific issue raised by the Deputy concerning Ozempic, I will get a written response for him. I do not want to comment on the other issue he raised, but I understand the perspective he is coming from. 

“If people need medication and are prescribed it by their GP, it is very important that they are able to access it from a pharmacy,” she finished.