WHO: Medical Product Alert: Fake Ozempic (semaglutide)

Medical Product Alert: Fake Ozempic (semaglutide) Detected in Americas and Europe

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued Medical Product Alert No. 2/2024 regarding three falsified batches of Ozempic (semaglutide) identified in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States in late 2023. Ozempic, a GLP-1 inhibitor used to treat hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes, has been misrepresented and falsely manufactured, posing significant health risks.

Details: batches involved:

• Batch number LP6F832
• Batch number MP5E511 (genuine batch, falsified product)
• Combination of batch number NAR0074 with serial number 430834149057

Risks:‍

Ineffective treatment, contamination, unknown ingredients, potentially life-threatening due to incorrect subcutaneous injection.

Recommendations:

• Healthcare professionals: Report adverse effects and suspected falsification to National Regulatory Authorities.
• Regulatory authorities: Monitor sales, notify WHO of identified falsified products, and advise against using affected batches.
• Public: Avoid using affected products, seek immediate medical advice if used, and ensure medical products are sourced from authorised suppliers.‍‍

Identification Tips:‍

• Check Lot and Serial Numbers against WHO's list.
• Examine Ozempic pens for quality issues and improper scales.
• Look for poor label quality and spelling mistakes on cartons.

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For more details and to report any information, contact WHO at rapidalert@who.int.

Link to WHO MPA