WHO warns of fake diabetes and weight loss drugs

This alert refers to three batches of counterfeit semaglutide (brand name ozempic) products that were detected in Brazil in October 2023; the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland in October 2023; and the United States in December 2023.

WHO's Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) has recorded an increase in reports of falsified semaglutide products, in all geographical areas since 2022. This is the first official notification issued by WHO after confirming several reports of this falsified medicine.

"WHO advises health care professionals, regulatory authorities and the public to be aware of these counterfeit batches. We urge stakeholders to stop using suspicious medicines and report them to the relevant authorities," said Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General.

WHO warns of fake diabetes and weight loss drugs.

Shortage of supply and increase in counterfeit goods

Accordingly, semaglutides, including the specific brand that was counterfeited, are prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes to lower blood sugar levels. Semaglutides also reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Most semaglutide products must be injected under the skin weekly, but the drug is also available as a daily pill.

These drugs have been shown to suppress appetite and lower blood sugar levels, and are therefore increasingly prescribed for weight loss in some countries.

According to WHO observations, the demand for these drugs is increasing and there are also increasing reports of counterfeit drugs. These counterfeit products can be harmful to human health. Specifically:

- If the product does not have the necessary ingredients, counterfeit drugs can lead to health complications due to high blood sugar or uncontrolled weight.

- If the product contains hidden, undeclared ingredients (active ingredients) that may be contained in the injection device, such as insulin, it can lead to many unpredictable health risks or complications.

Semaglutide is not currently on the WHO recommended list of treatments for diabetes management due to its high cost and unaffordability for large populations. In addition, there are more affordable diabetes medications that have similar effects to semaglutide on blood sugar levels and cardiovascular risk.

What can I do to protect myself from counterfeit drugs?

To protect yourself from counterfeit medicines and their harms, WHO recommends:

- Patients should only take medication as prescribed by their doctor.

- Avoid purchasing medications from unfamiliar or unverified sources, such as on the internet.

- Always check the packaging and expiration date of the medicine when purchasing and use the product as directed. In the case of semaglutide injection, patients should store the medicine in the refrigerator.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/who-canh-bao-ve-thuoc-gia-tri-dai-thao-duong-va-giam-can-172240627122804831.htm