FDA is investigating deaths and hospitalizations caused by fake Ozempic: reports

health

by Adriana Diaz

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating several hospitalizations and deaths that may be linked to counterfeit semaglutide drugs, including Ozempic, according to multiple reports.

At least three Americans were hospitalized after injecting themselves with suspected counterfeit products. CBS News reported.

The hospitalizations under investigation are said to be among 42 cases reported to police. FDA Adverse Event Reporting System It cites the use of counterfeit semaglutide, whose innovative ingredient has been replaced with a synthetic version of insulin.

However, cases of side effects sent to FAERS are not always medically confirmed, including one of the three hospitalizations under investigation that specifically mentioned Ozempic. It was only partially.

More than half of the reported cases are classified as “severe” and may include deaths.

Two women reportedly died from blood clots caused by the placebo. Daily Mail reported.

Symptoms suffered by defrauded patients included seizures, skin discoloration, bruising and liver damage, according to the UK tab.

All cases were submitted to the FDA by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic.

“We have been working closely with the FDA to take steps to raise awareness of potential counterfeit products,” a Novo Nordisk representative told the Post. “We have provided communications to a number of stakeholders, including wholesalers and pharmacists, to make them aware of the situation and help them identify products that may be counterfeit semaglutide injections.”

Fake versions of this diabetes drug have been spotted being sold in Facebook groups and, even more worryingly, on the shelves of pharmacies.

Novo Nordisk warns consumers Earlier this summer, counterfeit versions of the drug were discovered to be purchased at some retail stores across the country.

An FDA spokesperson assured that all reports are being investigated and that “appropriate regulatory action” will be taken. “FDA remains vigilant in protecting the U.S. drug supply from these threats,” the agency told the Post in a statement.

Ozempic, a semaglutide designed to improve the quality of life of diabetic patients, sparked a weight loss craze across the United States after patients noticed, almost by accident, that they were losing weight rapidly after taking the drug. Ta. Now, non-diabetics are clamoring for this accidental diet pill, leading to reports of shortages, dangerous side effects, and fraud.