Don’t be conned by these fake Ozempic injections for weight loss

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning over fake versions of the drug Ozempic, which has soared in popularity as a tool for weight loss in recent years.

The organisation said using the counterfeit medicine could pose a danger to health, including from unlisted ingredients.

Ozempic was designed to treat type 2 diabetes, but has been widely adopted, including by celebrities, for those trying to lose weight. Wegovy, another drug which includes the same active ingredient – semaglutide – is specifically designed for weight loss.

Semaglutide is used to help suppress appetite, aiding diabetics in managing their blood sugar through weekly injections. However, a side effect of this is significant weight loss.

Both drugs are produced by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.

Wegovy is now available on the NHS and from pharmacies in the UK, but demand for Ozempic is still high, meaning customers are turning to unofficial suppliers – and risking taking fake drugs.

The WHO said it had identified three batches of counterfeit semaglutide, including one sold in the UK in October last year.

In a statement, the organisation said: ‘WHO has been observing increased demand for these medicines as well as reports on falsification. 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. 

‘In other cases, another undeclared active ingredient may be contained in the injection device, for example insulin, leading to an unpredictable range of health risks or complications.’

It said customers should protect themselves from the potentially dangerous effects by only buying medicines with prescriptions from licensed pharmacies, and to avoid drugs from ‘unfamiliar or unverified sources’, such as online.

Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO assistant director-general for access to medicines and health products, said: ‘WHO advises healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the public be aware of these falsified batches of medicines.

‘We call on stakeholders to stop any usage of suspicious medicines and report to relevant authorities.’

Patients and customers using the authentic drugs have also, on occasion, suffered side-effects, including gastrointestinal issues. Others have complained of the effects of losing a lot of weight quickly, leading to the phenomenon nicknamed ‘Ozempic face’.

On the same day, US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly warned people over fake versions of its own drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, used for diabetes management and weight loss.

Counterfeit drugs containing tirzepatide, the active ingredient in the two products, have also been found. 

The Indianapolis-based company said fake versions of its drugs frequently advertised or sold online are never safe to use.