In the coming months, general practitioners across the country will face a major task as they reevaluate the treatment for up to 49,000 type 2 diabetes patients. These patients, who have been treated with GLP-1 analogs such as Ozempic so far, may now need to transition to cheaper alternatives. This change is due to new stricter subsidy rules from the Danish Medicines Agency. Ozempic, which has become a popular choice among diabetes patients, has seen a significant increase in usage in recent years. Last year, 100,000 patients received subsidies for this medicine. But with the new rules, the 49,000 patients who have not previously tried other medications must now be assessed for possible alternatives. This change comes at a time when medical clinics are already under pressure and is expected to create additional workload.
“It creates uncertainty for patients, many of whom have experienced good effects from treatment with Ozempic, and adds extra workload to general practitioners who already have too much to do,” said Jørgen Skadborg, chairman of the organization for general practitioners.
The Danish Medicines Agency has issued a press release explaining that it will be up to the individual doctor to determine if a patient meets the criteria for subsidies for GLP-1 medication. In certain cases, doctors can apply for individual subsidies if it is deemed necessary for the patient’s treatment to continue with the current medication. The changed subsidy rules will come into effect on November 25, 2024, giving doctors and patients time to adjust to the new conditions.
Meanwhile, Anders Kühnau, chairman of the Danish Regions, expresses support for the new rules, pointing out that the regions look forward to any opportunity to reduce expenses for medication subsidies, including for Ozempic. This extensive change in the treatment regimen for thousands of Danish diabetes patients marks an important milestone in efforts to optimize and economize the resources of the healthcare system.