Last Updated on October 19, 2023 by The Health Master
European regulator
In a recent development, European regulator has issued a cautionary alert regarding pre-filled pens falsely labelled as Novo Nordisk’s renowned diabetes drug, Ozempic (Semaglutide Injection).
These deceptive products have been identified within the distribution network of wholesalers across the European Union and the United Kingdom.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has assured the public that, to date, there is no evidence of these counterfeit pens being dispensed to patients through legitimate pharmacies, and there have been no reported incidents of harm to patients associated with the falsified medication.
Confirmation of Incidents
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK has corroborated these concerns, affirming that falsely labelled Ozempic pens have indeed been discovered at two separate wholesalers in the country.
This revelation is part of a wider effort to ensure the integrity of pharmaceutical products in the market, particularly in light of the growing demand for Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug, Wegovy, and the diabetes drug, Ozempic, amid a global obesity crisis.
Off-Label Usage and Associated Risks
It is worth noting that while only Wegovy holds official approval for treating obesity, Ozempic’s notable contribution to significant weight loss has led individuals in both the United States and Europe to employ the drug for “off-label” purposes—meaning, not for its originally sanctioned use.
Unfortunately, this practice has attracted the attention of illicit traders who may jeopardize user health by peddling counterfeit versions of the drug.
Counterfeit Drug Surge and Regulatory Response
Novo Nordisk recently issued a warning about a surge in counterfeit versions of both Wegovy and Ozempic being offered online.
This alert came in the wake of Germany’s federal drug regulator urging pharmacies and drug distributors to exercise heightened vigilance following the discovery of wholesale batches of fake Ozempic.
Notably, the fake pens bore labels in German, yet their packaging was genuine. These products were traced back to wholesalers in Austria and Germany, as confirmed by the EMA.
Swift Action for Patient Safety
In response to this alarming development, all affected pens have been promptly recalled and their disposition closely monitored.
Crucially, none of these counterfeit pens have made their way into the hands of UK patients, according to the MHRA.
Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
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