Hospitalizations linked to the use of counterfeit drugs have occurred in the United States, Nigeria and Iraq
In December 2023, He drewA 36-year-old man from San Antonio, Texas, drove more than 250 miles to Mexico in hopes of finding Ozempic at a cheaper price. However, the trip ended in an alarming incident when he realized that the pens he had purchased were counterfeit.
Upon returning to the United States, Drew inspected the pens and noticed that they looked different than expected. He decided to share the photos on social media, where he was quickly warned by other users that the product could be insulin, something that can be fatal due to the risks associated with increased insulin in the body.
This incident raises questions about the safety of purchasing the most sought-after drugs and how criminal organizations are taking advantage of this demand. Manufacturer Ozempic Novo Nordisk authenticated its batches with unique combinations of letters and numbers to track the products. However, the counterfeiting still managed to fool consumers like Drew.
Identifying Counterfeit Medicines Like Ozempic
One of the main ways to identify counterfeit medicines is to check the batch numbers and the appearance of the packaging. In Drew’s case, the fake pens had batch number MP5B060, which was supposed to be destined for Egypt but ended up in Mexico.
Uneven regulation by health authorities around the world compounds the problem. Products with the same batch number have been found in countries from Azerbaijan to North Macedonia, highlighting the global nature of counterfeiting.
It is worth noting that the use of counterfeit medicines can lead to serious and even fatal consequences. Hospitalizations related to the use of counterfeit Ozempic products have occurred in the United States, Nigeria, and Iraq. A man in Iraq went into a coma after using a fake pen that contained insulin, causing his blood sugar to drop dangerously low.
The problem is broader than just Ozempic. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that counterfeit pharmaceuticals cause about one million deaths each year. In September 2023, a U.S. CDC report found nearly 55,000 deaths linked to the use of fake pills like the painkiller Oxycontin.
Measures in progress
Pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk are working with authorities in several countries to combat counterfeiting. However, the complexity of criminal operations and the high demand for drugs like Ozempic make the work challenging. Counterfeiting is a lucrative business, estimated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health to be worth up to $431 billion a year.
Drew, for his part, has chosen not to use the counterfeit pens and has warned the online community of the dangers, stressing the importance of continued vigilance when purchasing medications outside of usual sources.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
