The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it has seized “thousands” of counterfeit copies of Ozempic, a diabetes drug widely used for weight loss, that were being distributed through legitimate drug sources.
The FDA and the drug's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, are testing the vaccine. According to the statement, they do not yet have information about the identity, quality and safety of the drug. The FDA said Thursday that the fake shots were linked to five illnesses, none of which were serious.
The FDA said some counterfeit 1-milligram semaglutide injections may still be on sale. In addition to the drugs themselves, the needles, pen labels, cartons and accompanying medical information are also counterfeit, the agency said.
The counterfeit product was labeled with lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057.
The FDA recommended that retail pharmacies purchase genuine Ozempic only through authorized distributors and that patients obtain Ozempic only through state-licensed pharmacies.
Consumers can report suspicious Ozempic packages by calling 800-332-1088 or contacting the state complaint coordinator.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Education Media Group. AP is solely responsible for all content.
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