The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert regarding the circulation of fake versions of Ozempic, a drug that has gained popularity for weight loss despite being primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. The organization has warned that these counterfeit medicines could be harmful to health and advised people to obtain the drug only through reputable sources like doctors, rather than purchasing from obscure websites or social media.

The active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, helps people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels and also acts as an appetite suppressant, leading to weight loss. However, individuals without diabetes have been using the drug for weight loss, resulting in shortages for those with diabetes and creating a market for fake drugs. The WHO has been tracking reports of counterfeit Ozempic worldwide since 2022, with fake batches being seized in various countries including the UK, US, and Brazil.

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 fake medications. The organization cautioned that some counterfeit injections may not contain semaglutide at all or may contain other substances like insulin, leading to unpredictable health effects.

It is important to note that the fake Ozempic products had been imported from reputable suppliers in Austria and Germany and appeared to have authentic packaging. This highlights how difficult it can be to detect counterfeit drugs that are intentionally designed to deceive consumers. Dr. Alison Cave, the organization’s chief safety officer, advised against purchasing semaglutide from illegal online suppliers to avoid the risk of using falsified or unlicensed products which could be hazardous to health.

A higher strength version of Ozempic known as Wegovy has been developed specifically for weight loss and is available at specialist weight-loss clinics in the UK through the NHS.

In conclusion, it is crucial for individuals seeking medication for weight loss or any other condition to ensure they are obtaining it from reputable sources such as licensed pharmacies or healthcare providers. It is also important for regulatory authorities