'Miracle' Weight Loss Durg Ozempic's Has A Counterfeit In The Market – But It Has 'Life-Threatening' Consequences, Swiss Regulator Warns

Swissmedic, the Swiss drugs regulator, has issued a warning against the purchase of drugs from unreliable sources, particularly from abroad, following reports of hospitalizations linked to counterfeit injectables of the diabetes medication Ozempic, Swissinfo reports.

Counterfeit Ozempic and Health Risks

The affected individuals were hospitalized due to acute hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels), caused by an insulin overdose from a pen packaged as Ozempic.

“Hypoglycaemia triggered by an insulin overdose is life-threatening and must be treated immediately,” Swissmedic stated.

Ozempic and Off-label Use

Developed by Danish company Novo Nordisk, Ozempic is authorized in Switzerland for treating type 2 diabetes. However, it has been promoted as a “miracle” weight-loss drug on social media and can be prescribed by doctors for “off-label use” under medical supervision.

The active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, is also used in another drug, Wegovy, which is authorized for obesity treatment.

Increased Demand and Counterfeit Products

Demand for Ozempic surged after it was promoted by several celebrities and TikTok influencers as a quick weight-loss solution. This high demand has led to an increase in counterfeit versions of the product internationally.

Swissmedic “urgently warns against purchasing and using unauthorized medicines offered in printed advertisements, promotional e-mails or via websites.”

Photo by Christina Victoria Craft on Unsplash

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