The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about falsified semaglutides, medicines used for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity.
The alert highlights three counterfeit batches of the semaglutide brand Ozempic, detected in Brazil, the UK, and the USA between October and December 2023. The WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) has noted an increase in reports of falsified semaglutide products worldwide since 2022, prompting this first official notice after confirmation of some reports.
“Healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities, and the public should be vigilant about these falsified medicines,” stated Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Essential Medicines and Health Products. “We urge stakeholders to halt the use of suspicious medicines and report them to the relevant authorities.”
Supply Shortages and Increased Falsification
Semaglutides are prescribed for type 2 diabetes to lower blood sugar and reduce cardiovascular risks. These medicines, available as weekly injections or daily tablets, also suppress appetite, leading to their use for weight loss in some countries.
Increased demand and reports of falsification pose health risks. Counterfeit products lacking necessary components can lead to unmanaged blood glucose levels, while those containing undeclared ingredients, such as insulin, pose unpredictable health risks.
Due to high costs, semaglutides are not part of WHO-recommended diabetes treatments, which focus on accessible, affordable options. WHO is developing guidelines on using GLP-1 RAs, including semaglutides, for treating obesity within a comprehensive care model.
Protecting Against Counterfeit Medicines
Patients should buy medicines with prescriptions from licensed physicians and avoid unverified sources, particularly online. Checking packaging, expiry dates, and proper storage, especially for injectable semaglutides, is crucial. Reports of falsified medicines can be sent to WHO at rapidalert@who.int.
