Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th January 2024.

26th January, 2024.

Yay!   It’s Friday!

Which is possibly not a reason for me to get excited!

It is, after all, just another day!

One that doesn’t have that much in the way of plans, I should add.

I’m sure I’ll find something to do.

~≈Œ≈~

I could, for example, watch a movie: or possibly start a series.

Ones I’ve been planning on watching — then reviewing — for a while.

And that now seem vaguely topical.

Especially in light of the fact that, recently, General Sir Patrick Sanders — the head of the UK’s army — has said that the country needs what he calls a ‘citizen’s army’: a group of people willing to join, and be trained, in case of a war.

I have to admit, that gives me a few ideas about films: Dad’s Army might be one idea.

The Day After, another.

I’m also wondering something else.

Is Sir Patrick making a suggestion he feels will help in a looming war?

Or something he hopes will boost Army funding.

I can only hope it’s the latter option.

~≈Œ≈~

As another point in the news?

I’m diabetic, over-weight, and lord knows what else.

And am very aware that two injectable drugs — Ozempic, and Trulicity — are very helpful: both in managing my condition, and managing my weight.

Late last year?

Saw the start of Ozempic shortages.

Lots of people who are overweight — and who could manage their weight with lifestyle changes — started getting private prescriptions for the drug: forcing those of us with diabetes to look elsewhere.

I — and many others, it seems — switch to Trulicity.

Which — in my experience — is less helpful at weight management, however good it is at managing my blood sugars.

According to this article?

People with a priority clinical need are missing out: as there’s still a shortage of Ozempic … and, more recently, of Trulicity.

I’m wondering what can be done.

I suspect drug companies boosting their outputs could help: but suspect they won’t, in order to boost their prices.

I also suspect legislation may help.

Or, at least, a legislated list: of drugs that can only be prescribed by an NHS doctor*.

Putting drugs needed by those with serious conditions — rather than by those with conditions manageable by easier means — could be useful.

~≈Œ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th May 2023.

19th May, 2023.

Yes: you know it, and I know it … 

I’m diabetic.

And constantly worry about my feet, so you know.

There’s always that worry about amputation.

At any rate?

I was up at my pharmacists, yesterday.

And … ?

Whilst they had most of my medications, they didn’t have one.

The high dosage Ozempic that’s been very helpful in controlling my blood sugar levels.

Their suppliers were out of stock.

I got the same story at the three other chemists I visited.

And the one chemist — near to where my family lives — on Ongar Road: I phoned them.

The last place I tried — right at the top of Warley Hill — had one pen left: but only of the smaller, 0·5mg, dose.

They — in collaboration with my surgery — have ordered another: so I can make up the supply to the needed dose.

And I’ve talked to my surgery’s diabetic nurse: to put alternatives in place*.

But … ?

That’s one hell of a situation.

~≈😷≈~

I can tell what you’re asking, though.

At least I think I can.

You’re wondering why there’s a shortage.

Ozempic’s a bit like Viagra.

The latter started out as a blood pressure medication: but its famous OTHER effect … sent off-label/non-prescription demand, and prices†, through the roof!

Ozempic, by contrast?   Is very good at lowering blood sugar levels.

But also has a reputation for helping users lose weight.

Which is debatable, in my case: but I could be wrong.

At any rate?

That’s what’s causing the shortages: celebrities are buying it — celebrities who don’t look fat, to me — to lose weight: when a long healthy walk could be far more appropriate.

That means there’s less Ozempic for those of us that do need it.

None of the chemists told me why the stockists were short.

Bar the one in Ongar Road: who told me the manufacturers were having some sort of manufacturing issues.

They didn’t get more specific than that.

‘Manufacturing issues’ … ?

Could mean anything.

Under current circumstances, I suspect ‘Manufacturing issues’ means the company can’t make it fast enough.

~≈😷≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-5-2022: Stevie Wonder

13th May, 2022.

Right … I don’t know if I’ve done it right.

You’re wondering what I’m talking about, aren’t you … ?

I’m diabetic: and on a slew of medications.

Up until today?   That’s included Metformin, Aloglyptin and Dapagliflozin.   The last one’s also known as Forxiga: which is much more pronounceable!

I’ve now had — under medical advice — to stop using the Aloglyptin: as I’ve started using an injectable medication called Semaglutide: also called Ozempic.

Apparently, the two don’t work well, together.

I’ve also received instructions on how to use the thing: it’s an injection pen, similar to ones used for insulin.

Oh … and given a link to video instructions.

It’s powerful enough that I only need to take it once a week.

But?   I don’t like the look of the side effects.

And … ?

Well, I’ve never had to inject myself with anything, in my life.

I’m hoping like hell I’ve used it correctly!

~≈Ü≈~

In other news?

You’ll have realised I thoroughly enjoyed the Denis Villeneuve Dune Pt 1.

Yesterday saw an announcement.

Christopher Walken has been cast in Dune Pt 2: as Emperor Shaddam 4th, himself.

That’s a genius piece of casting!

Especially as Walken’s been known to dance around when worms get mentioned.

If you know, you know!

~≈Ü≈~