WHO warns of illegal copies of Ozempic circulating

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning, reported by the German news agency dpa, about the circulation of illegal copies of Novo Nordisk’s diabetes medication Ozempic in several countries. Patients, pharmacies, doctors, and authorities are advised to be vigilant to avoid being deceived. The fake diabetes medications have been in circulation since 2022 and are found in areas worldwide, including the UK, USA, and Brazil. Ozempic, which treats type 2 diabetes and contains the active substance semaglutide, is also used in Novo Nordisk’s weight loss drug Wegovy. The WHO emphasizes that patients should obtain Ozempic through prescriptions from their own doctors at pharmacies, not online. Using illegal copies poses a risk, as the formulation and needle sterility are not guaranteed, potentially leading to unregulated blood sugar levels in diabetics.