Swissmedic, the Swiss drugs regulator, has issued a warning against the purchase of drugs from unreliable sources, particularly from abroad, following reports of hospitalizations linked to counterfeit injectables of the diabetes medication Ozempic, Swissinfo reports.
Counterfeit Ozempic and Health Risks
The affected individuals were hospitalized due to acute hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels), caused by an insulin overdose from a pen packaged as Ozempic.
“Hypoglycaemia triggered by an insulin overdose is life-threatening and must be treated immediately,” Swissmedic stated.
Ozempic and Off-label Use
Developed by Danish company Novo Nordisk, Ozempic is authorized in Switzerland for treating type 2 diabetes. However, it has been promoted as a “miracle” weight-loss drug on social media and can be prescribed by doctors for “off-label use” under medical supervision.
The active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, is also used in another drug, Wegovy, which is authorized for obesity treatment.
See Also: European Regulator Expands Ozempic Probe To Include Other Weight-Loss Drugs Over Suicide Risks
Increased Demand and Counterfeit Products
Demand for Ozempic surged after it was promoted by several celebrities and TikTok influencers as a quick weight-loss solution. This high demand has led to an increase in counterfeit versions of the product internationally.
Swissmedic “urgently warns against purchasing and using unauthorized medicines offered in printed advertisements, promotional e-mails or via websites.”
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