Urgent FDA Warning on Counterfeit Ozempic Medications
As the popularity of GLP-1 drugs for diabetes treatment and weight management surges, the FDA has raised alarms over counterfeit Ozempic injections found in the United States.
Counterfeit Products Identified
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a formal alert to consumers and healthcare professionals following the detection of counterfeit 1-milligram Ozempic pens. This warning comes after the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, confirmed the infiltration of these fake products into the U.S. market.
On April 9, 2025, the FDA took decisive action by seizing the counterfeit products that had been circulating.
Details on the Counterfeit Lot Numbers
The FDA urged members of the healthcare community, as well as patients, to thoroughly inspect their Ozempic supplies. They specifically cautioned against using any products labeled with the following identifiers:
- Lot Number: NAR0074 – Serial Number: 430834149057
- Suspicious Lot Numbers: PAR0362 – Serial Numbers starting with 51746517
This alert is crucial, as some counterfeit items may still be accessible to consumers.
Reported Adverse Events
So far, six adverse events associated with the affected Ozempic lot have been reported. However, investigations suggest that these incidents were not directly caused by the counterfeit products. These reports were logged by Novo Nordisk as part of their vigilant monitoring process.
FDA’s Commitment to Combat Counterfeiting
The FDA reiterated its commitment to tackling counterfeit medications, emphasizing the seriousness with which it handles such reports. The agency is collaborating closely with Novo Nordisk to identify and eliminate any further counterfeit semaglutide injectables in the U.S. market.
Reporting Suspected Counterfeits
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report any side effects or adverse reactions linked to Ozempic via the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. Reports can be submitted online or via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.
If counterfeit or tampered medicines are suspected, especially from online suppliers, individuals should reach out to their local FDA consumer complaint coordinator or report suspected activities through the FDA’s criminal activity portal.