Is this a problem in Luxembourg as well? MPs André Bauler and Gilles Baum from the Democratic Party (DP) submitted a parliamentary question on this matter to Minister of Health Paulette Lenert and Minister of Social Security Claude Haagen.
In 2022, 7,290 patients in Luxembourg were prescribed medication for type 1 diabetes and over 41,000 for type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic, a diabetes medication, is also used to help people lose weight. In the latter case, it is marketed under a different name, ‘Saxenda.’ However, the National Health Fund (CNS) only reimburses Ozempic, i.e., if it if it is taken as a treatment for diabetes.
Ozempic is not authorised for use as a weight loss cure. For this reason, doctors are not allowed to prescribe it under this name for that purpose.
However, the National Health Directorate has indeed noticed that the demand for Ozempic has increased recently, probably because of its so-called “off-label” use for weight loss. This has resulted in a shortage across Europe.
In October 2022, the National Health Directorate sent a letter to doctors and pharmacists recommending that they prioritise prescribing Ozempic for diabetes, so that patients who need the drug do not have difficulty obtaining it.
