The Dangers of Counterfeit Ozempic
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about counterfeit batches of semaglutide medications Ozempic (for diabetes) and Wegovy (for obesity). These fake drugs pose serious health risks, and it’s essential to know how to identify them.
Recent Counterfeit Incidents
Counterfeit Ozempic has been detected in several countries. In December 2023, a batch was identified in the United States. Earlier, in October 2023, fake versions were found in Brazil and the United Kingdom.
Risk from Counterfeit Medications
Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, reassures that the chances of encountering counterfeit medication from reputable sources like your local pharmacy or the manufacturer are very low. These entities follow strict regulatory guidelines and quality control measures to ensure the authenticity and safety of medications.
Why Counterfeit Ozempic Is Dangerous
Fake Ozempic or Wegovy can be harmful for several reasons:
- Ineffectiveness: Counterfeit Ozempic may lack the active ingredient, semaglutide, which can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels and potential complications for people with diabetes.
- Harmful Ingredients: Counterfeit drugs might contain dangerous substances. Dr. John Hertig from Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences explains that fake medications can include fillers like chalk or brick dust, or even toxic substances like antifreeze and arsenic.
- Risk of Contamination: Fake medications are often produced in unregulated environments, which increases the risk of contamination and infection. Injectables like Ozempic carry additional risk because the device used to inject the medicine can also be counterfeit.
- Delayed Diagnosis: Using ineffective counterfeit drugs can delay proper treatment, worsening the underlying condition.
How to Spot Fake Ozempic
To protect yourself, be cautious of where you source your medications. Medications from traditional supply chains or provided by a trusted doctor or pharmacist should be safe. However, if you purchase medication online at a significantly discounted price or without a doctor’s prescription, it might be counterfeit.
Dr. Hertig recommends using tools like BuySafeRx to verify the legitimacy of online pharmacies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also provides a visual guide to spotting counterfeit Ozempic.
Tips for Identifying Fake Ozempic
Dr. Stanford offers these tips:
- Check the Packaging: Look for discrepancies such as misspellings and poor print quality.
- Scrutinize Labeling: Ensure the label includes the correct drug name, dosage, manufacturer, and expiration date. Authentic Ozempic needles should be labeled “NovoFine Plus” and “Sterile.”
- Compare: If you have known authentic Ozempic, compare it with the questionable version for any differences.
- Check Lot and Serial Numbers: The December counterfeits identified by the FDA had lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057.
If you suspect your Ozempic or Wegovy is fake, do not use it. Contact a healthcare provider if you’ve used a counterfeit product and experienced a bad reaction. Report any information about falsified products to the WHO at rapidalert@who.int or call Novo Nordisk customer care at 800-727-6500.
Staying informed and vigilant can help protect your health against the dangers of counterfeit medications.