Yesterday, Thursday, the World Health Organization warned of counterfeit diabetes medications that have been in circulation since 2022, a problem affecting all parts of the world.
In its statement, the organization specifically referred to discoveries in Britain, the United States, and Brazil since October 2023.
This concerns the drug “Ozembic”, a drug containing the active ingredient semaglutide, which has also been approved within the European Union to treat type 2 diabetes.
The fake drug appears identical to the real thing, since the product also suppresses appetite, and is increasingly prescribed for weight loss.
The World Health Organization said that the adulterated medicine may not contain the appropriate amount of active ingredients, and thus it could lead to uncontrolled high blood sugar in diabetics, adding that it may also contain other active ingredients that pose health risks.
The organization called on doctors, pharmacists, regulatory authorities and the public to be cautious.
The organization said people should only buy medicines by prescription from pharmacies, not online.
She added that users should ensure that the dosing scale on insulin pens is displayed correctly, and that there are no spelling errors on the packaging.