Be vigilant about falsified weight-loss drugs, WHO warns
What specific medications did WHO issue a warning about?
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning about falsified semaglutide products, specifically mentioning three batches of fake Ozempic found in Brazil, the U.K., and the U.S. Semaglutide drugs are commonly used for weight loss and are prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes to lower blood sugar levels.
Which countries reported cases of fake Ozempic?
Fake versions of Ozempic have been reported in over a dozen countries, including the U.S., Brazil, the UK, and Northern Ireland. The World Health Organization has issued a global alert for these counterfeit products, as they pose potentially life-threatening consequences5.
How long has the rise in falsified semaglutide been observed globally?
The rise in falsified semaglutide has been observed globally for two years, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This increase coincides with the higher demand for weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which contain semaglutide as their active ingredient.