Supply issue affecting dulaglutide (branded as Trulicity) for people with type 2 diabetes

The supplier of dulaglutide (Eli Lilly) has advised Pharmac that there will likely be a significant supply shortage in the next three weeks due to unforeseen global demand combined with supply chain issues. Eli Lilly expects more stock will arrive in New Zealand in the first week of September 2023, and will be available from mid-September.

To assist in managing the available stock and support continuity of supply for people currently taking dulaglutide, the dispensing frequency for dulaglutide will change from ‘stat’ to monthly dispensing in the Pharmaceutical Schedule from Friday, 1 September 2023. By reducing the amount of dulaglutide people can pick up at one time, we hope to avoid a complete out-of-stock situation.

Worldwide increases in demand for GLP-1 agonists, such as dulaglutide, have caused a global supply issue. Eli Lilly anticipates supply will be constrained for the rest of 2023.

For more information visit: Dulaglutide (Trulicity): Supply issue - Pharmac | New Zealand Government