The Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) has announced that stocks of Victoza, a widely prescribed injectable diabetes medication, have run out, and is urgently calling on doctors to switch all affected patients to Ozempic ahead of a June 1 implementation date.
In a notice sent to general practitioners, endocrinologists, pathologists, geriatricians and private pharmacies, the HIO said patients currently on Victoza (liraglutide) must be transferred to treatment with Ozempic, which contains a different active substance, semaglutide.
Doctors are asked to submit new pre-approval requests using a dedicated form accompanying the notice, with the switch to take effect from June 1, 2026.
The HIO has created separate drug codes exclusively for patients already approved and receiving Victoza through GESY. The available options cover Ozempic in doses of 0.5mg and 1mg.
The HIO is asking doctors to submit the relevant applications promptly to avoid delays in the assessment and continuation of patients’ treatment.