Fake weight loss drug alert: Austrians treated in hospital after using counterfeit Ozempic

Several Austrians have been treated in hospital after using what was believed to be a bogus weight loss drug called Ozempic.

According to Austria’s Federal Office for Healthcare Safety, the BASG, affected people reported serious side effects such as low blood sugar and seizures. The investigation revealed that the drugs falsely contained insulin instead of Ozempic’s active ingredient, semaglutide.

Ozempic has gained popularity as a weight loss treatment, but it is important to note that it is not approved for this purpose. Austria’s Criminal Intelligence Service, the BK, has claimed that those affected received the syringes from a doctor based in Austria.

Authorities warn that stocks of the fake drug may still be in circulation. Counterfeit injection pens were identified to be a darker blue color than the genuine items.

The Federal Office for Health Care Security has urged doctors and patients to check their supplies and report any suspicious products. Austrian police and the Ministry of Health have also issued warnings against the use of so-called weight-loss injections from dubious sources.

This situation highlights the importance of obtaining medicines from reputable sources and being cautious about unauthorized or counterfeit products.

In a related development, the European Medicines Agency, the EMA, recently warned that increased demand for Ozempic has led to a shortage of diabetic patients who rely on the drug to manage their condition.

To address this issue, the EMA and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the MHRA, have identified counterfeit Ozempic injection pens from suppliers in Austria and Germany. These counterfeit pens have been found in UK and EU wholesalers.

The MHRA has taken action by recalling and accounting for all affected pens, ensuring that none have been supplied to patients in the UK. They work closely with international regulatory partners to maintain the safety of the wider supply chain.

This current situation underlines the need for vigilance in the pharmaceutical industry and the importance of using genuine medicines to safeguard public health.

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