Websites and stores selling counterfeit semaglutide products amidst the rise in demand.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert concerning counterfeit diabetes drugs, specifically semaglutide GLP-1, which are being sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as unbranded products. These medications are intended for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, over-the-shelf sale of these drugs to people who do not necessarily live with type 2 diabetes but want to lose weight, has led to supply vs demand imbalances. The high market demand also provides a profitable entry point for counterfeit drug industry.
Since 2022, reports of fake semaglutide GLP-1 products have surfaced from numerous regions worldwide, raising significant health concerns. The counterfeit medications, discovered in countries including the UK, Brazil, and the United States, pose serious risks. The WHO has emphasized that these falsified drugs can adversely affect patients’ health, potentially leading to dangerous outcomes.
Both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, the manufacturers of two most commonly used semaglutide GLP-1 products, have reiterated that their drugs are only authorized for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. These medications are to be prescribed exclusively to individuals with diabetes, and the improper distribution of these drugs for any other purpose is both unauthorized and potentially hazardous.
The rising demand for weight loss drugs has led to shortages, with some doses expected to be limited until mid-2024. The presence of counterfeit drugs in the market means that people might unknowingly use ineffective or harmful substances, which can lead to blood glucose levels being out of range, increased risk of severe diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage, and nerve damage.
Moreover, the shortages caused by the high demand for genuine semaglutide GLP-1 drugs make it harder for people with diabetes to access their prescribed medications. This can disrupt their treatment plans, leading to poorer health outcomes. The proliferation of counterfeit drugs exacerbates this issue by flooding the market with unsafe alternatives, further complicating the management of type 2 diabetes for people living with the condition and healthcare providers alike.
Advocacy Action: Can you inform your local health regulatory authorities of your concern regarding the severity of this issue, and ask them to initiate public awareness campaigns, and take action to reduce the sale of counterfeit and non-prescribed medications. Such as regulation to limit unprescribed over-the-counter sale, and prescription to people who are not living with diabetes can be implemented to reduce the shortages.
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