Authorities warn against copies of the diabetes drug Ozempic, which became popular as a weight-loss injection. Why counterfeits are so dangerous, how you can recognize them and what you can do as those affected.
The diabetes injection Ozempic has been prescribed by doctors “off label” (outside the intended use) for weight loss for several months. The active ingredient semaglutide not only lowers blood sugar levels, but also appetite – which made Novo Nordisk’s injection pens so popular at times that it was difficult for diabetics to get them in pharmacies. Counterfeits of the distinctive light blue plastic syringes have now appeared in several countries. In Austria and Switzerland they have apparently already put people’s lives in danger. But the fakes can be recognized. What you need to know now.