After identifying counterfeit batches of Ozempic in several countries, including Brazil, the WHO warns of the health risk linked to these “medicines”
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Thursday (20) of the identification of counterfeit Ozempic batches, with possible health implications for users. The original medicine is active ingredient semaglutide and can be used in both the treatment of type 2 diabetes and for weight loss, depending on the concentration.
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Over the past 12 months, counterfeit batches of Ozempic, a medicine applied with a pen under the skin, have been detected in Brazil, the United States, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The Brazilian case dates back to October last year, monitored by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).
In addition to these cases, “the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System has observed an increase in reports of counterfeit semaglutide products in all geographic regions since 2022,” the organization specifies in a statement.
False Ozempico?
“WHO advises health workers, regulators and the public to be aware of these batches of counterfeit medicines,” says Yukiko Nakatani, a doctor and WHO Deputy Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products.
“We appeal to those interested stop any use of suspected medications and inform the authorities,” adds Nakatani.
In other words, under no circumstances should you use counterfeit Ozempic. In fact, the same rule applies to any drug.
Health risk
“These counterfeit products can have harmful effects on people’s health. If they do not have the necessary raw materials, counterfeit medicines can lead to health complications resulting from levels [elevados] of uncontrolled blood sugar and weight”, specifies the WHO in the case of Ozempic. In patients with type 2 diabetesthe consequences can be serious.
In addition to the fact that the medicine has no effect, when you think of a counterfeit product another dilemma arises: what is in the composition? These supposedly illegal medicines have no guarantees or quality control standards, and the person may even ingest or apply toxic substances to the body. In this case the consequences are numerous.
To avoid the risks associated with these counterfeits, the WHO underlines the importance of purchasing the medicine with a medical prescription from authorized pharmacies, avoiding purchasing from unknown or unverified sources. The risk increases when the purchase is made online, through advertisements of unknown origin.
In the case of Ozempic and other medicines containing the active ingredient semaglutide, it is important that these medicines are stored in the refrigerator, which will ensure their effect once applied.
Source: WHO
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Source: Terra
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