Global alert issued over fake Ozempic drugs – WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert about counterfeit versions of Ozempic, a drug popular for weight loss despite being primarily intended to treat type 2 diabetes.
Often referred to as a “skinny jab,” Ozempic’s active ingredient, semaglutide, helps manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients and also reduces appetite, aiding in weight loss.
The WHO warned that these fake medications pose serious health risks and advised obtaining Ozempic only through reputable sources such as doctors, rather than unverified online sites or social media.
The increasing demand for Ozempic as a weight-loss aid among non-diabetic individuals has resulted in shortages for diabetic patients and fueled a market for counterfeit drugs.
Since 2022, the WHO has been monitoring a surge in reports of counterfeit Ozempic worldwide. Authorities in the UK, US, and Brazil have confiscated fake batches.
Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Essential Medicines and Health Products, urged healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities, and the public to be vigilant about these falsified medicines.
The WHO warned some fake injections may not contain semaglutide at all or others may contain other medications, such as insulin, leading to “unpredictable” effects.
“These falsified products could have harmful effects to people’s health,” the WHO said.
The UK’s drugs regulator seized a batch of fake Ozempic in October last year.
They had come into the country from legitimate suppliers in Austria and Germany, and appeared to have authentic packaging.
Dr Alison Cave, the organisation’s chief safety officer, said: “Buying semaglutide from illegally trading online suppliers significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK.”
She said injecting such products “may put your health at risk”.
A higher strength version of Ozempic has been developed specifically for weight-loss and is marketed as Wegovy.
This is being offered at specialist weight-loss clinics on the NHS in the UK.
