Fake Ozempic jabs are in circulation and pose serious health risks, the World Health Organisation warns
On Thursday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a global alert over the fake Ozempic jabs, which are proliferating around the world. The health agency urged anyone taking the drug to procure it only through reputable sources, like a doctor, and to avoid trying to purchase it via unknown sites or social media pages.
Ozempic is the brand name for the drug semaglutide, which was initially designed as a way to manage type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is the brand name for a higher strength version of the the drug – this version which is typically prescribed via specialist weight loss clinics in the NHS.
But, given its ability to suppress your appetite, it is now – often controversially – widely used as a weight loss tool. To note: the medication can cause nasty side effects and should only be used as a weight loss tool under medical supervision by those who are struggling with obesity to a 'severe' degree.
Due to increasing demand causing shortages, counterfeit versions of the popular medicine are springing up in the UK, the BBC reports. The WHO's warning is rooted in the fact that these fake versions could have serious side effects.
Last year, the UK drugs regulator seized a batch of counterfeit Ozempic, which had come into the country via legitimate suppliers in Austria and Germany.
In a statement, the WHO said they had been 'observing increased demand for these medicines as well as reports on falsification'. The statement continued: 'These falsified products could have harmful effects to people’s health – if the products don’t have the necessary raw components, falsified medicines can lead to health complications resulting from unmanaged blood glucose levels or weight.'
WHO has been tracking reports on false Ozempic jabs since 2022, and counterfeit versions of the medicine have been seized in the UK, as well as Brazil and the US.
Diabetics unknowingly using these falsified jabs may end up with uncontrolled blood sugar levels, as they may not contain semaglutide at all. Or else, they may contain another undeclared active ingredient which could lead to 'unpredictable' health risks or complications, according to WHO.
Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO assistant director-general for access to medicines and health products, advised healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and be on the lookout for these falsified batches.
Nakatani said, 'We call on stakeholders to stop any usage of suspicious medicines and report to relevant authorities.'
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