Weight-loss patients warned of counterfeit Ozempic as dupes of popular drug proliferate
The World Health Organization is warning consumers about counterfeit forms of the popular drug Ozempic, often used for weight loss.
Fake versions of the medication have been traced to Brazil in October 2023, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland in October 2023 and the United States in December 2023, WHO said in a news release on June 20.
The fake medication is a form of semaglutides, medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. Most semaglutide products are injected under the skin weekly but can also be manufactured as tablets.
“These medicines are shown to suppress appetite in addition to lowering blood sugar levels, and therefore are being increasingly prescribed for weight loss in some countries,” WHO said.
While WHO has been looking into reports about falsified semaglutide medications in multiple regions since 2022, this is the first time the organization has issued an official warning. The notice comes after WHO confirmed some of the previous reports.
According to WHO, the fake medications could have “harmful effects to people’s health” and injection devices can also have an “undeclared active ingredient” such as insulin that may pose health risks or complications.
Novo Nordisk, the company that manufactures Ozempic, said in a statement that it is pursuing litigation against companies selling counterfeit drugs.
“Producing counterfeit products and inserting them into the legitimate U.S. supply chain is an illegal activity and puts patients at considerable risk,” the company wrote.
Counterfeit Ozempic: FDA warns Ozempic users after seizing thousands of units of counterfeit weight loss drugs
According to Novo Nordisk, the company and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an alert in December about seizing counterfeit Ozempic. The FDA is working with Novo Nordisk to “protect patient safety,” the statement said.
Supply shortage led to increased production of counterfeit meds, WHO says
WHO said the organization does not recommend semaglutides for diabetes treatment because they are expensive. Because of their high cost, not many people can afford semaglutides.
The goal, WHO said, is to make sure as many people as possible can access medications. There are also cheaper treatments for diabetes that can help those trying to regulate their blood sugar or lower cardiovascular risks, according to the organization.
WHO encourages consumers to buy medications from licensed physicians and avoid unverified sources like online stores. The organization stressed the importance of checking packaging and expiration dates and making sure they store injectable semaglutides in the refrigerator.
“WHO advises healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the public (to) be aware of these falsified batches of medicines,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, in the news release.
How much does Ozempic cost?
Ozempic is sold in the U.S. for over $900 a month. On its website, Novo Nordisk said customers with commercial or private insurance could pay $25 for a 1-month, 2-month or 3-month supply of Ozempic for up to 24 months.
Websites such as GoodRx also claim to help customers save $150 for a 1-month, $300 for a 2-month and $450 for a 3-month supply of the drug.
Ozempic has an online lookup tool customers can use to see how much the medication will cost through their insurance.
Celebrities and Ozempic
While Novo Nordisk said the company does not work with celebrities to endorse its products, some celebs have spoken out to say they’ve used it successfully.
Comedian and actor Tracy Morgan talked about it in March.
"Ozempic did great by me and I was glad to use it,” he said. “I take Ozempic every Thursday," he said. "It cuts my appetite in half.”
On the flip side, Sharon Osbourne said in November that Ozempic has prevented her from gaining weight.
"I'm too gaunt and I can't put any weight on," she told The Daily Mail. "I want to, because I feel I'm too skinny. I'm under 100 (pounds) and I don't want to be. Be careful what you wish for."
What to do if you suspect counterfeit Ozempic
To report fake medications, contact WHO at rapidalert@who.int.
Novo Nordisk said in a statement that patients who suspect their medications are fake can visit www.semaglutide.com to look at real product photos and descriptions.
Customers can also call Novo Nordisk customer care at 1-800-727-6500 or file a report at www.tinyurl.com/ReportMeds.
Contributing: Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY; Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Counterfeit Ozempic gets WHO warning as dupes of drug proliferate
