(Source – Vashon Beachcomber)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global warning about counterfeit versions of Ozempic, a drug increasingly used for weight loss despite being primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes. These fake Ozempic drug medications pose serious health risks, prompting the WHO to urge people to obtain Ozempic only from reputable sources.
Rising Popularity and Risk
Ozempic, often referred to as a “skinny jab,” contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which helps manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. Additionally, semaglutide reduces the urge to eat by signaling fullness to the brain, making it an effective weight-loss aid. This dual functionality has led to a surge in demand from individuals without diabetes seeking to use Ozempic for weight management.
The increased demand has resulted in shortages for those who need the drug for diabetes treatment and has fueled the production and distribution of counterfeit versions. Since 2022, the WHO has been tracking reports of fake Ozempic drugs worldwide. These fake batches have been seized in countries such as the UK, US, and Brazil.
Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO assistant director general for essential medicines and health products, emphasized the importance of awareness, stating, “We advise healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities, and the public to be aware of these falsified batches of medicines.”
Health Risks and Official Warnings
The WHO warns that counterfeit Ozempic may not contain semaglutide or might include other substances, like insulin, resulting in unpredictable and potentially harmful effects. “These falsified products could have harmful effects on people’s health,” the WHO cautioned. The UK’s drug regulator seized a batch of counterfeit Ozempic in October, which had arrived from legitimate suppliers in Austria and Germany, bearing seemingly authentic packaging.
Dr. Alison Cave, the chief safety officer for the UK’s regulatory body, stressed the dangers of purchasing semaglutide from unregulated online sources. “Buying semaglutide from illegally trading online suppliers significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK,” she said. Injecting such products, she warned, “may put your health at risk.”
The production of counterfeit Ozempic has coincided with the development of a higher strength version of the drug, specifically designed for weight loss, marketed as Wegovy. This new version is being offered at specialist weight-loss clinics within the NHS in the UK.
Given these risks, the WHO and other health authorities recommend sourcing Ozempic only through licensed healthcare providers and legitimate pharmacies. This measure is crucial in ensuring the medication’s authenticity and safeguarding public health.
In summary, the WHO’s global alert underscores the severe health risks posed by counterfeit fake Ozempic drugs. As the drug gains popularity for weight loss, the need for vigilance in sourcing and regulatory oversight becomes ever more critical to protect those who rely on it for managing type 2 diabetes and those using it under medical supervision for weight loss.
