British Columbia Expands Diabetes Drug Sales Restrictions Amid Supply Concerns

The Province of British Columbia has announced an expansion of its restrictions on the sale of diabetes medications, specifically targeting drugs such as tirzepatide and dulaglutide, marketed under the brand names Mounjaro and Trulicity. This decision, made public on July 18, 2025, is designed to ensure continued access for patients with Type 2 diabetes amidst increasing global demand and supply shortages.

Previously, in 2023, the province had already implemented limitations on semaglutide-based medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, which are also used for weight management. The updated regulations now fall under the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act, a legislative framework aimed at safeguarding the availability of essential medications.

Health Minister Josie Osborne emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that patients who rely on these medications for managing diabetes will continue to have reliable access. "Our priority remains the health and well-being of British Columbians who depend on these critical medications," said Osborne in a statement to the press.

The new regulations will prevent pharmacies in British Columbia from selling these medications to individuals outside Canada, unless those purchases are made in person and accompanied by a prescription from a Canadian healthcare provider. Residents of Canada, including citizens and permanent residents, will still have access to these drugs both in-person and through online orders.

The College of Pharmacists of British Columbia will oversee the enforcement of these new rules, ensuring compliance among pharmacies operating in the province. The government stated that these measures are essential to balancing fair access to medications while responsibly managing the limited supply available in the market.

Experts have noted that the off-label use of diabetes medications for weight loss, particularly in the United States, has led to increased demand, contributing to the ongoing shortages faced by patients who genuinely require these drugs for diabetes management. According to Dr. Emily Carter, an endocrinologist at the University of British Columbia, "The increasing trend of using diabetes drugs for weight loss has significant implications not only for supply but also for the long-term health of individuals who misuse these medications."

The decision to expand restrictions aligns with a broader trend observed across North America, where regulatory bodies are grappling with the dual challenges of ensuring access for patients while mitigating the potential for misuse and shortages. The rise in popularity of these medications for weight management has prompted significant concern among healthcare professionals regarding their appropriate use.

In light of these developments, it remains to be seen how effective these new restrictions will be in stabilizing the supply of diabetes medications in British Columbia. As the government continues to monitor the situation, further adjustments may be necessary to ensure that the needs of diabetic patients are met without compromising the integrity of the healthcare system. The implications of this policy could extend beyond provincial borders, as similar challenges are being faced across Canada and in the United States, where demand continues to outpace supply.

As the healthcare landscape evolves, stakeholders will need to collaborate closely to address the multifaceted issues surrounding medication access and ensure that patients receive the necessary support for their health conditions.