Urgent warning over fake weight loss jabs amid shortages of Ozempic

PHARMACY leaders are urging people not to buy fake weight-loss jabs, amid shortages of the prescription drugs.

A lack of diabetes medication Ozempic has been fuelled by high demand, plus medics prescribing it off-label for obese people — who should use Wegovy.

AFP

Stock shortages of Ozempic have fuelled high demand[/caption]

Reuters

Wegovy should be being used by obese people instead of Ozempic[/caption]

The National Pharmacy Association is urging patients to speak to their pharmacist or GP instead of buying medicines online from unregistered and unregulated sellers.

Chairman Nick Kaye said: “Wegovy stocks aren’t too bad, it’s Ozempic that’s problematic.

““Stocks of Ozempic are very depleted in community pharmacy in the UK and it is important that these remain prioritised for those in the most clinical need.

“Given the precarious state of supply of this and other vital medication, there is a much greater risk of people looking to order in supplies from disreputable online vendors.

“We’ve been told those stocks aren’t going to come back in until December 27, and it’s more likely to be later.”

“That’s the current projected date from the manufacturers themselves.

“In all of our experience, it’s much less likely to be earlier than that date and much more likely to be later.”

People often start Ozempic on the lowest dose of 0.25mg before moving up through the levels if needed.

In January, the Department of Health and Social Care told healthcare providers not to prescribe the drugs off-label for weight loss, and said existing stock must be reserved for patients with type 2 diabetes.