Novo Nordisk And FDA Warn Consumers About Counterfeit Ozempic

On Friday, December 5, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned consumers not to use counterfeit Ozempic (semaglutide) found in the U.S. drug supply chain.  The FDA announced it had recently seized dozens of counterfeit 1 mg injection units distributed illegally outside Novo Nordisk's authorized supply chain. The seized counterfeit products were in the legitimate U.S. drug supply chain.

The FDA advises patients, wholesalers, retail pharmacies, and healthcare professionals to check the Ozempic products they have received and not use, distribute, or sell products that contain the counterfeit information above. Adverse events or side effects should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

Novo Nordisk stated in a press release that further analyses will be conducted, including extensive visual examination and planned chemical testing of the seized product.

Counterfeit products are labeled with the lot number PAR1229, which is also used on authentic products. You can identify the counterfeit by the placement of the EXP/LOT text on the pen's label. The counterfeit has the EXP/LOT text on the left side of the expiration date and lot number, while the authentic Ozempic pen has it positioned above the expiration date and lot number.