Counterfeit Ozempic will get WHO warning as dupes of drug proliferate
The World Well being Group is warning customers about counterfeit types of the favored drug Ozempic, usually used for weight reduction.
Pretend variations of the medicine have been traced to Brazil in October 2023, the UK and Northern Eire in October 2023 and america in December 2023, WHO stated in a information launch on June 20.
The pretend medicine is a type of semaglutides, medicines used to deal with sort 2 diabetes by decreasing blood sugar ranges. Most semaglutide merchandise are injected below the pores and skin weekly however can be manufactured as tablets.
“These medicines are proven to suppress urge for food along with decreasing blood sugar ranges, and subsequently are being more and more prescribed for weight reduction in some nations,” WHO stated.
Whereas WHO has been trying into reviews about falsified semaglutide medicines in a number of areas since 2022, that is the primary time the group has issued an official warning. The discover comes after WHO confirmed a few of the earlier reviews.
In response to WHO, the pretend medicines might have “dangerous results to individuals’s well being” and injection units can even have an “undeclared energetic ingredient” equivalent to insulin that will pose well being dangers or issues.
Novo Nordisk, the corporate that manufactures Ozempic, stated in a press release that it’s pursuing litigation in opposition to firms promoting counterfeit medication.
“Producing counterfeit merchandise and inserting them into the professional U.S. provide chain is an criminal activity and places sufferers at appreciable danger,” the corporate wrote.
Counterfeit Ozempic:FDA warns Ozempic customers after seizing 1000’s of models of counterfeit weight reduction medication
In response to Novo Nordisk, the corporate and the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration issued an alert in December about seizing counterfeit Ozempic. The FDA is working with Novo Nordisk to “shield affected person security,” the assertion stated.
Provide scarcity led to elevated manufacturing of counterfeit meds, WHO says
WHO stated the group doesn’t advocate semaglutides for diabetes therapy as a result of they’re costly. Due to their excessive price, not many individuals can afford semaglutides.
The purpose, WHO stated, is to verify as many individuals as attainable can entry medicines. There are additionally cheaper remedies for diabetes that may assist these making an attempt to control their blood sugar or decrease cardiovascular dangers, in line with the group.
WHO encourages customers to purchase medicines from licensed physicians and keep away from unverified sources like on-line shops. The group harassed the significance of checking packaging and expiration dates and ensuring they retailer injectable semaglutides within the fridge.
“WHO advises healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the general public (to) concentrate on these falsified batches of medicines,” stated Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-Basic for Entry to Medicines and Well being Merchandise, within the information launch.
How a lot does Ozempic price?
Ozempic is offered within the U.S. for over $900 a month. On its web site, Novo Nordisk stated clients with industrial or personal insurance coverage might pay $25 for a 1-month, 2-month or 3-month provide of Ozempic for as much as 24 months.
Web sites equivalent to GoodRx additionally declare to assist clients save $150 for a 1-month, $300 for a 2-month and $450 for a 3-month provide of the drug.
Ozempic has an internet lookup instrument clients can use to see how a lot the medicine will price by their insurance coverage.
Celebrities and Ozempic
Whereas Novo Nordisk stated the corporate doesn’t work with celebrities to endorse its merchandise, some celebs have spoken out to say they’ve used it efficiently.
Comic and actor Tracy Morgan talked about it in March.
“Ozempic did nice by me and I used to be glad to make use of it,” he stated. “I take Ozempic each Thursday,” he stated. “It cuts my urge for food in half.”
On the flip aspect, Sharon Osbourne stated in November that Ozempic has prevented her from gaining weight.
“I am too gaunt and I am unable to put any weight on,” she advised The Each day Mail. “I need to, as a result of I really feel I am too skinny. I am below 100 (kilos) and I do not need to be. Watch out what you would like for.”
What to do should you suspect counterfeit Ozempic
To report pretend medicines, contact WHO at rapidalert@who.int.
Novo Nordisk stated in a press release that sufferers who suspect their medicines are pretend can go to www.semaglutide.com to take a look at actual product images and descriptions.
Clients can even name Novo Nordisk buyer 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 workforce. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Observe her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or e mail her atsdmartin@usatoday.com.
