Running low on Ozempic or another weight loss drug? A new tracker can help
New Tracker Battles Ozempic Shortage: Safe?
Telehealth provider Ro has developed a new tool to help patients locate GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are currently facing supply shortages in the U.S. The tracker allows users to report and find available supplies, and sign up for alerts on drug availability.
The demand for these drugs has led to a market for counterfeit versions, highlighting the severity of the shortage. Ro initially created the tracker for its patients but expanded access to assist anyone in need, aiming to provide up-to-date and accessible supply information.
What is the purpose of the new tool developed by the telehealth provider Ro?
The new tool developed by the telehealth provider Ro is designed to help patients track the availability of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs across the United States. This tool addresses the issue of shortages in these popular medications by allowing patients to report available supplies, doses, and pharmacies, as well as shortages directly to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, it enables users to sign up for email alerts that notify them when supplies of GLP-1 drugs become available in their area or when there are updates on the FDA's Drug Shortage List. Ro initially created this tracker for its own patients but expanded its availability to assist a broader audience due to the widespread need for these medications and Ro's capabilities in handling large-scale supply data and technology6.
What specific features does Ro's GLP-1 supply tracker offer to patients?
Ro's GLP-1 Supply Tracker provides several features designed to assist patients during the shortage of GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy5. Firstly, the tracker allows patients to report specific details about drug availability, including the drug name, dose, and the pharmacy location where the drug was found4. This reporting feature also enables patients to automatically send shortage information to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), facilitating real-time updates on drug availability5.
Additionally, the tracker offers a subscription service for email alerts. These alerts notify patients when a supply of GLP-1 drugs becomes available in their area or when there is a change in the status of these drugs on the FDA's Drug Shortage List4. This feature is particularly useful for keeping patients informed about the availability of medications they need without requiring them to continuously check the tracker manually.
Overall, Ro's GLP-1 Supply Tracker aims to provide up-to-date and accessible information to help patients navigate the challenges of GLP-1 drug shortages, enhancing their ability to obtain necessary medications25.