The FDA is growing increasingly concerned after counterfeit Ozempic pens were discovered on the shelf of a US pharmacy. The agency is continuing to investigate, and has already seized thousands of units of the counterfeit products. 

Why it’s notable:

• Over the past few months, fake versions of the immensely popular diabetes medication, often prescribed 'off-label' for weight loss, have surfaced in a number of countries, including the US. Mostly, users have been obtaining these counterfeit drugs from unregulated sources. However, the FDA has now warned that counterfeit Ozempic has been found in a ‘legitimate’ US supply chain.

• Reports of patients obtaining the weight loss drug from unregulated suppliers have become headline news due to reports of  serious side effects and hospitalisations. Side effects, including hypoglycemia and seizures indicate that many of these counterfeit pens contain insulin, rather than semaglutide. So far, the FDA knows of five adverse events from the lot found within the supply chain, but none have been serious. 

Point of View: Is the GPL-1 movement helping few, while potentially endangering many?

• Obesity is a medical condition, but many societies are also culturally obsessed with thinness and it was therefore only a matter of time before counterfeit versions of this drug landed on the market. The Ozempic craze could take on a whole other dimension if the drug becomes available in oral form in the future. Ozempic currently requires injection, which may still act as a deterrent to some people.

• To put it simply, the GLP-1 movement may be doing a disservice to public health. When it comes to managing obesity and staying healthy overall, medical guidelines suggest taking a holistic approach. That means making lifestyle changes, getting counseling support, and maybe even taking prescription medication if your doctor thinks it's necessary.

• The extraordinary demand for weight loss drugs is fuelling a global shortage. The extensive coverage these drugs receive on television and media makes them a prime target for exploitation. Counterfeit products in the US drug supply raises serious concerns about consumer safety, with risk of potential harms including infections from fake pen needles. Novo Nordisk, patent holder of Ozempic, may also see a negative impact on sales and brand trust, as consumers become wary of using Ozempic and potentially other drugs.