December 22, 2023 – The FDA says it has seized “thousands of units” of counterfeit Ozempic which might be circulating as demand for the weight-loss drug outstrips supply.
Consumers shouldn't use products marked with lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057, the FDA said in an announcement opinion released on Thursday.
“The FDA continues to investigate counterfeit Ozempic (semaglutide) 1 milligram (mg) injections in the legitimate U.S. drug supply chain,” the agency said.
The pen label, box, patient and healthcare skilled information, and needles included with the counterfeit medication are also counterfeit. The sterility of the needles can't be confirmed and there could also be a risk of infection.
The FDA and Novo Nordisk, the Danish manufacturer of Ozempic, are testing the seized products, but thus far haven't any information in regards to the identity, quality or safety of the drugs.
The FDA said it knew of 5 individuals who had grow to be unwell from consuming the counterfeit drug, although none seriously. Reactions are similar to those who might be attributable to real Ozempic, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation.
The Federal Health Office recommends that retail pharmacies only purchase Ozempic through authorized Novo Nordisk dealers. Patients should only purchase the medication from government-licensed pharmacies with a legitimate prescription.
Ozempic is approved for patients with type 2 diabetes. It may trigger weight reduction, which is why some doctors prescribe it because of this, resulting in increased demand.