Fake Ozempic Shots Sold Through Legitimate Sources, FDA Seizes Counterfeits

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported the seizure of "thousands of units" of counterfeit Ozempic, the diabetes drug widely used for weight loss, distributed through legitimate drug supply sources, as noted by Jonel Aleccia in the Associated Press (AP).

Some counterfeit 1-milligram semaglutide shots may still be available for sale, warns the FDA. I Photo: Chemist4U Flickr

The FDA, in collaboration with the drug's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, is conducting tests on the seized shots.

Currently, there is no information available regarding the identity, quality, or safety of the counterfeit drugs, according to a statement. While five illnesses have been linked to the fake shots, none have been deemed serious, the FDA stated.

Some counterfeit 1-milligram semaglutide shots may still be available for sale, warns the FDA. Additionally, the agency highlights that beyond the drug itself, the needles, pen labels, carton, and accompanying healthcare information are also counterfeit.

The fraudulent products were labeled with the lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057.

In response, the FDA urges retail pharmacies to procure authentic Ozempic only through authorized distributors, and patients are advised to obtain it exclusively through state-licensed pharmacies.

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