WHO Issues Urgent Warning on Counterfeit Diabetes Medication

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an urgent alert regarding counterfeit medications containing semaglutide, widely used for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. This alert is based on recent detections of counterfeit batches of Ozempic, a popular semaglutide-based drug, in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States.?

The WHO's Global Surveillance and Monitoring System has reported a significant increase in notifications about counterfeit semaglutide medications across multiple regions since 2022. The first official warning follows the confirmation of three specific counterfeit batches found in October 2023 in Brazil and the United Kingdom, and in December 2023 in the United States.

"Our organization advises healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, and the public to remain vigilant about these counterfeit batches. Stakeholders should cease using any suspicious medication and report it to the relevant authorities,” says Yukiko Nakatani, Assistant Director General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, WHO.

Medications containing semaglutide, including the counterfeit Ozempic, are prescribed to individuals with type 2 diabetes to manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. These drugs, available as weekly injections or daily oral tablets, are also prescribed for weight loss in some countries due to their appetite-suppressing effects. The WHO has observed an increased demand for semaglutide medications, which has coincided with a rise in counterfeit reports. These counterfeit drugs can pose severe health risks if they lack essential components, leading to poor blood sugar and weight management.?

Despite their benefits, semaglutide-based medications are not part of WHO’s recommended diabetes treatments due to their high costs, which limit their accessibility and public health suitability. More affordable diabetes treatments with similar effects on blood sugar and cardiovascular risk are available.?

The WHO advises patients using semaglutide products to purchase medications only with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, avoid buying medications from unverified sources such as online vendors, always check the packaging and expiration date when purchasing medication, follow prescribed instructions for medication use, and ensure proper refrigeration for semaglutide injections.