The precise model of Ozempic’s pretend semaglutide was found in Brazil, the UK in October 2023, and the US in December 2023, and was shipped by way of the common provide chain.
Previous to the WHO’s official notification, its International Monitoring and Surveillance System (GSMS) had reported “false semaglutide merchandise” in all geographical areas since 2022.
Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-Normal for Important Medicines and Well being Merchandise, known as on all stakeholders to “Cease utilizing the suspect drug and report it to the suitable authorities“.
danger
The precise producer of Ozempic confirmed to WHO that the batch and serial numbers of semaglutide have been pretend.
Semaglutide is meant to assist folks scale back blood sugar and urge for food ranges, in addition to the danger of heart problems. The WHO mentioned that as demand for the product elevated, so did reviews of counterfeit merchandise.
Consumption of counterfeit or counterfeit merchandise can have dangerous and life-threatening results on the physique.
As a result of semaglutide is dear, the World Well being Group doesn’t advocate this product for diabetes remedy.
Keep away from counterfeits
Dr Nakatani mentioned the UN well being company suggested healthcare professionals, regulators and the general public to “be cautious of those falsified drug batches”.
It added that healthcare professionals “Any antagonistic occasions must be reportedReport lack of validity and suspected falsification to nationwide regulatory authorities/nationwide pharmacovigilance centres.
WHO additionally advises people who could also be in possession of counterfeit merchandise to not use these merchandise and to hunt medical help if they’ve used these merchandise and skilled unwanted effects.
Keep away from unfamiliar sources
To keep away from such conditions, WHO urges folks to purchase prescription merchandise from a licensed physician moderately than shopping for them on-line or from unfamiliar sources.
WHO added that individuals ought to use merchandise as prescribed, verify batch and serial numbers, examine the product itself and assess label high quality to make sure the product getting used just isn’t counterfeit.
