The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert concerning counterfeit weight loss and diabetes medications, particularly fake versions of semaglutide, a crucial treatment for type two diabetes and obesity.
Alerts were prompted by the discovery of three counterfeit batches branded as Ozempic in the UK (October 2023), Brazil (October 2023), and the United States (December 2023). These medications, intended to regulate blood sugar levels in patients with type two diabetes, pose serious health risks if they lack the necessary active ingredients or contain harmful substances.
Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Essential Medicines and Health Products, emphasized the dangers posed by falsified medicines, urging healthcare providers, regulatory bodies, and the public to remain vigilant. The WHO advised patients to obtain prescriptions only from licensed pharmacies and to avoid purchasing similar products from unverified sources or online.
The agency called upon stakeholders to cease the use of suspicious medications immediately and report any concerns to relevant authorities.
