WHO Warns of Counterfeit Ozempic Spread Across Europe and Americas

Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness

The World Health Organization has issued a warning about the proliferation of counterfeit Ozempic (semaglutide) found in Europe and the Americas. The fake versions of this diabetes medication, discovered in the United Kingdom and Brazil in October 2023 and in the United States two months later, have raised significant concerns about the integrity of regulated pharmaceutical supply chains.

According to the WHO, the counterfeit Ozempic was identified within the regulated supply chain, a situation that prompts serious questions about the efficacy of existing safeguards meant to prevent such occurrences. The falsified drugs, which could be ineffective or potentially life-threatening, were confirmed by the genuine manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, to have batch numbers and serial numbers that do not correspond to legitimate manufacturing records.

The WHO's alert specifically mentions three falsified batches of Ozempic:

- Batch number LP6F832, not recognized by the manufacturer.

- Batch number NAR0074 combined with serial number 430834149057, which does not match genuine manufacturing records.

- Batch number MP5E511, although genuine, was used on falsified products.

Ozempic, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) inhibitor, is commonly prescribed for the treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes. The high demand for this medication, coupled with its substantial monthly cost of nearly $1,000, is likely fueling the market for counterfeit versions. The use of these fake drugs poses significant health risks, including ineffective treatment, contamination, and potentially life-threatening reactions due to the subcutaneous injection administration.

Healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities are urged to increase vigilance and report any incidents of adverse effects or suspected falsification to the appropriate national bodies. The WHO advises against using the affected products and recommends seeking immediate medical advice if adverse reactions or unexpected side effects occur.

As the fitness industry increasingly intersects with the healthcare sector, including the emerging market for weight loss drugs, the presence of counterfeit medications underscores the importance of ensuring the authenticity and safety of products. Fitness executives and professionals must remain informed and proactive in safeguarding their clients' health, especially as the landscape of health and wellness continues to evolve.

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