I use Ozempic, off label, however in my case it is not used for weight loss but for Insulin Resistance driven PCOS. PCOS is a hormone imbalance where the cause is not know but can associated with a number of other issues if not controlled, including risk of Type 2 diabetes and endometrial cancer. It is not caused by being obese but for many can lead to obesity if not controlled. The usual treatment for this is the pill and the diabetes drug Metformin along with a balanced diet and regular exercise. For most Metformin is great, other can’t tolerate it. In my case I get to the point of needing to me hospitalised and I’m extremely unwell on it. Since beginning this, I have seen a huge improvement in my PCOS symptoms, my blood sugars have been stable and my insulin levels have reduced. I have not been able to get a pen since November (and I’ve been on waitlists to allow diabetics to get their pens first and then hopefully I get some leftover stock) and many have been waiting much longer. The fact that doctors are prescribing this for weight loss alone is beyond frustrating! Even more frustrating is the TGA have approved Wegovy specifically for weight loss (exact same drug, higher doses), but due to the high price, people will still want Ozempic. People need to understand that this medication is not a holy grail like the media glorifies it as, it is a tool to manage our conditions whether it is Type 2, PCOS or Thyroid issues. I don’t know when I will get a pen next or how I am going to manage my PCOS but I hope people understand the impact the shortage is having on those who genuinely need it and hope the shortage is over soon.