The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns over falsified semaglutides, the medications used for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, following the detection of counterfeit batches in multiple countries.
In October 2023, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States identified counterfeit semaglutide products, specifically from the brand Ozempic.
Since 2022, WHO’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) has noted an uptick in reports of falsified semaglutide across various regions.
Official notice and recommendations
On June 20, 2024, WHO issued its first official alert in response to verified reports. Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, emphasized vigilance among healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, and the public.
The advisory urged stakeholders to cease using suspicious medicines and promptly report any concerns to relevant authorities.
Patient safety measures
To safeguard against counterfeit medicines, patients are advised to procure medications exclusively through licensed healthcare providers and to avoid purchasing from unfamiliar or unverified sources, particularly online.
Additionally, patients should verify packaging integrity and expiration dates before use. For injectable semaglutides, proper refrigeration is crucial to maintain efficacy and safety.
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