In a recent development, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning regarding the circulation of counterfeit Ozempic, a type 2 diabetes drug, within the US drug supply chain. The FDA has taken prompt action by seizing "thousands of units" of these fake medications and is urging suppliers, pharmacies, and patients to exercise caution.

As of now, five people have reportedly fallen ill in connection with the counterfeit products; however, none of the cases have been serious, according to the FDA. The agency has advised pharmacies, health care systems, wholesalers, and patients to carefully verify their semaglutide products to ensure their authenticity.

Specifically, the FDA has highlighted that the one-milligram injectable Ozempic products with the lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057 should not be used. The agency has launched an investigation in partnership with drugmaker Novo Nordisk to determine the potential dangers posed by these counterfeit medications and to identify the substances they contain.

It has been discovered that not only are the medications counterfeit, but the pen labels, cartons, information for patients and health care professionals, as well as the accompanying needles, are also fraudulent. Given that the sterility of these needles cannot be confirmed, their usage may result in infections.

To ensure the safety of patients, the FDA has reiterated the importance of obtaining medications exclusively from state-licensed pharmacies with valid prescriptions. The agency has issued a warning to online sellers, urging them to cease the sale of counterfeit drugs, and Novo Nordisk has taken legal action against various establishments, including medical spas, clinics, and weight loss centers, that have been found selling fake versions of Ozempic.

In collaboration with other federal agencies and Novo Nordisk, the FDA is actively working to remove additional counterfeit semaglutide injectable products from the market. Consumers who suspect they have obtained counterfeit Ozempic are encouraged to contact Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500 for assistance or to report such products to their local FDA consumer complaint coordinator or through the FDA's website.

It is worth mentioning that the rise in demand for Ozempic and its sister medication, Wegovy, has led to shortages. Reportedly, the surge in popularity among celebrities seeking weight loss has contributed to the emergence of knockoff versions being sold at salons and through social media.

The FDA's swift action in seizing the counterfeit Ozempic drugs underscores the agency's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of patients amidst the increasing demand for diabetes medications. Combating the circulation of these fake drugs remains a top priority as the FDA and other stakeholders work together to safeguard public health.

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect the accurate quantity of counterfeit Ozempic seized by the FDA.