Victoza shortage in Cyprus: diabetes patients being switched to Ozempic

The Cyprus Health Insurance Organization (HIO) has announced that stocks of Victoza, a drug widely used to treat diabetes, have been exhausted. As a result, doctors have been advised to switch patients to alternative treatment with Ozempic.

The relevant notice was sent to general practitioners, endocrinologists, internists, geriatricians and private pharmacies. It concerns patients who receive Victoza (liraglutide) through the GESY public health insurance system.

According to the HIO decision, all patients undergoing treatment with Victoza must be switched to Ozempic, the active ingredient of which is semaglutide. The transition to the new medication will begin on June 1, 2026.

To ensure uninterrupted treatment, the organization has developed special Ozempic prescribing codes intended exclusively for patients who had previously received approval to use Victoza. The drug will be available in 0.5 mg and 1 mg dosages.

Doctors have also been asked to submit new requests for prior authorization of therapy using a special form attached to the notice.

The HIO emphasizes that the measures being taken are aimed at maintaining continuity of treatment for diabetes patients and minimizing the impact of the drug shortage. At the same time, patients are advised not to change their treatment regimen on their own and to consult their attending physician in order to switch to the new therapy in a timely manner.

The supply situation with Victoza has become another example of global disruptions in the supply of certain modern diabetes medications, for which demand continues to grow in many countries around the world.