The FDA is warning consumers about counterfeit Ozempic injections circulating in the U.S. Novo Nordisk alerted the FDA that fake 1-milligram doses were being sold through unauthorized sellers. The FDA seized several hundred fake units on April 9. These were labeled with lot number PAR0362 and serial numbers starting with 51746517.

At least six people have reported side effects possibly linked to this batch, although it’s still unclear whether the counterfeit products directly caused them. The FDA and Novo Nordisk are testing the counterfeit injections to find out what’s in them. Because Ozempic is also used for weight loss, demand has skyrocketed, making it a target for fake products.

This isn’t the first time fake Ozempic has shown up. The FDA also seized thousands of counterfeit doses in 2023. They remind people to only buy medications from trusted sources. It’s important to note that compounded versions of Ozempic, which were temporarily permitted during previous shortages, are not the same as these counterfeit products. Since the shortage has ended, compounded versions are no longer necessary or recommended.

SOURCE:

NBC News, April 14, 2025