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Written question asked by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Friday, 23 February 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 February 2024. It was answered by Andrew Stephenson (Conservative) on Friday, 1 March 2024 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Dulaglutide

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason there is a shortage of the drug Trulicity in the NHS.

Answer

The Department has been working with Eli Lilly to address issues with access to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) for type 2 diabetics. Issues with the supply of Trulicity (dulaglutide) have been driven by an increase in global demand. We have worked closely with Eli Lilly during this time to try to minimise risks to patients in the United Kingdom. As a result, patients stabilised on Trulicity (dulaglutide) should be able to continue to obtain their medicine. The supply of Trulicity will be intermittent throughout 2024 and patients are advised to speak to their prescriber if they have any concerns.

We issued updated guidance to healthcare professionals, in the form of a National Patient Safety Alert, on 3 January 2024, on how to manage patients requiring these medicines.

Our guidance is clear that GLP-1RAs that are solely licensed to treat type 2 diabetes should only be used for that purpose and should not be routinely prescribed for weight loss. The General Pharmaceutical Council, General Medical Council, Health and Care Professions Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council and Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland have also issued a joint statement stressing the importance of health and care professionals meeting regulatory standards in relation to these medicines.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15518
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Shortages Dulaglutide
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk