Fake Ozempic drugs found in US drug supply, FDA warns

Counterfeit Ozempic is being circulated in the US, prompting a warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA announced on April 14 that Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, reported the presence of “several hundred units of counterfeit Ozempic (semaglutide) injection 1 mg” in the US drug supply chain.

Ozempic is an injectable medication approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy, a higher dose of the same drug, is approved for obesity treatment.

The counterfeit products were distributed outside the Novo Nordisk authorized supply chain, leading to the FDA seizing the identified counterfeit products on April 9, 2025.

Patient safety is a top priority for Novo Nordisk, and the company is taking the issue of counterfeit Ozempic seriously, according to Dave Moore, the executive vice president of US operations and President of Novo Nordisk Inc.

The FDA has advised patients, wholesalers, retail pharmacies, and healthcare professionals to check any Ozempic products they have in their possession. Specifically, medications labeled with lot number PAR0362 and with a serial number starting with the first eight digits 51746517 should not be used, sold, or distributed.

The seized products are currently undergoing testing by the FDA and Novo Nordisk to determine their identity, quality, and safety.

Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity doctor, has warned about the dangers of cheaper, counterfeit versions of medications like Ozempic. He emphasized the importance of using pharmaceutical-grade versions prescribed by licensed doctors to avoid potential risks associated with counterfeit drugs.

Ordering medications online without a valid prescription from a licensed pharmacy can be dangerous, as the source, ingredients, and safety of the product cannot be verified. Osborn reiterated the importance of consulting a healthcare provider with the proper training and experience in using medications like Ozempic to ensure safety.