FDA Alerts Public to Counterfeit Ozempic in Circulation
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has alerted healthcare providers and patients about the presence of counterfeit Ozempic, a medication primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss, within the U.S. drug supply. Thousands of units of the fake drug, which is produced by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, have been confiscated. Despite the seizure, there is concern that some counterfeit products may remain in circulation.
The counterfeit Ozempic products, including the pen label, carton, and patient information, have been found to be fraudulent, and the needles provided with the injectors may not be sterile, posing a potential infection risk. Although only five incidents of illness have been reported, with no serious cases, the FDA continues to investigate the safety and composition of the counterfeit drugs in collaboration with Novo Nordisk. Patients are advised to only obtain their medication from state-licensed pharmacies using a valid prescription, and both healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse effects to the FDA's MedWatch program. The specific lot and serial numbers to be wary of are lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057.
