The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global warning about counterfeit versions of Ozempic, a drug primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes but increasingly sought after for weight loss.
Dubbed as a “skinny jab,” Ozempic contains semaglutide, which regulates blood sugar levels and reduces appetite by signaling fullness to the brain.
The WHO cautioned that these counterfeit versions pose significant health risks and advised obtaining the drug exclusively from reputable sources like healthcare providers, rather than purchasing online or through social media.
The growing popularity of Ozempic for weight loss among non-diabetic individuals has caused shortages for those with type 2 diabetes and created a market for counterfeit drugs.
Since 2022, the WHO has been closely monitoring reports of fake Ozempic worldwide.
Authorities in the UK, US, and Brazil have already seized counterfeit batches of the drug.
These counterfeit products may not contain semaglutide or could include other substances like insulin, leading to unpredictable health effects.
Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s assistant director-general for essential medicines and health products, emphasized the importance of healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities, and the public being aware of these falsified medicines. She warned that consuming these fake injections could seriously harm health.
In the UK, counterfeit Ozempic entered the country through legitimate suppliers in Austria and Germany with authentic-looking packaging, prompting warnings from regulatory authorities.
Dr. Alison Cave, the UK’s chief safety officer, stressed the risks of purchasing semaglutide from unauthorized online suppliers, noting the potential for receiving falsified or unlicensed products that endanger health.
Additionally, a stronger version of Ozempic tailored for weight loss, marketed as Wegovy, is now available in specialist weight-loss clinics through the NHS in the UK.
