FDA Alerts Public to Counterfeit Ozempic in Circulation

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has alerted the public to the presence of counterfeit Ozempic injections within the U.S. drug supply. The counterfeit products, which are used for weight loss and to manage type-2 diabetes, have been seized by the FDA in significant quantities. The agency has expressed concerns about the potential health risks associated with these fake drugs, including the sterility of the included needles which cannot be confirmed, raising the risk of infection.

So far, there have been five reported cases of illness due to the counterfeit drugs, though none of these cases were severe. The FDA, in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, the legitimate manufacturer of Ozempic, is conducting tests on the counterfeit products to assess their safety. The fake products are distinguishable by their pen label, carton, and accompanying patient and healthcare professional information, which are all fraudulent.

To mitigate the risks, the FDA has advised patients to only obtain their medications from state-licensed pharmacies and ensure they have a valid prescription. Healthcare professionals and consumers have also been encouraged to report any adverse effects to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. Additionally, the FDA has provided specific guidance to verify the authenticity of Ozempic, advising vigilance against units labeled with lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057.