Counterfeit Ozempic medications flagged by FDA
As counterfeit Ozempic continues to circulate in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to Americans. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, informed the FDA that several hundred units of counterfeit Ozempic injection 1 mg have entered the U.S. drug supply chain. Ozempic is an injectable medication approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy, a higher dose of the same drug, is approved for obesity.
The FDA announced on April 14 that the counterfeit products were distributed outside of Novo Nordisk’s authorized supply chain and were seized by the agency on April 9, 2025. It has been advised that any medications labeled with lot number PAR0362 and with a serial number starting with the first eight digits 51746517 should not be used, sold, or distributed. The FDA is currently investigating six adverse event reports associated with this lot, but none have been linked to the counterfeit product.
In response to these incidents, Novo Nordisk has emphasized its commitment to patient safety. Dave Moore, the executive vice president of US operations and President of Novo Nordisk Inc., stated that they take the issue of counterfeit Ozempic very seriously and are working to alert patients, healthcare professionals, wholesalers, and retail pharmacies about these incidents. The seized products are undergoing testing by both the FDA and Novo Nordisk to determine their identity, quality, and safety.
Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity doctor, has previously warned about the dangers of cheaper counterfeit versions of Ozempic. He highlighted the risks associated with using non-pharmaceutical-grade medications that are often found online or through non-regulated channels. These knock-off versions lack the necessary quality assurance and control, making them potentially harmful to consumers.
Osborn stressed the importance of using pharmaceutical-grade versions of medications like Ozempic, prescribed by a licensed doctor. He cautioned against purchasing medications online without a valid prescription from a reputable pharmacy, as the source, ingredients, and safety of the product cannot be verified. Osborn reiterated that medications like Ozempic should only be prescribed by healthcare providers with the proper training and experience in using these medications to ensure safety.
In conclusion, the FDA’s warning about counterfeit Ozempic serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with purchasing medications from unregulated sources. Patients are urged to exercise caution and consult with healthcare professionals before using any medication to ensure their safety and well-being.
