The WHO drew attention to the fact that counterfeit medicines often do not contain the necessary amount of the active ingredient, so they can cause uncontrollable fluctuations in blood sugar levels or even damage to health in diabetics.

Fake anti-diabetic drugs have been on the market worldwide since 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Thursday.
According to the WHO, it is a problem in all regions of the world. As concrete examples, the UN organization cited cases experienced since October 2023 from Great Britain, the United States, and Brazil.

According to the information, it is a counterfeit of Ozempic, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, and is barely distinguishable from the original. The drug is also marketed in the European Union for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Since the product also suppresses the feeling of hunger, doctors also prescribe it for weight loss.

The WHO drew attention to the fact that counterfeit medicines often do not contain the necessary amount of the active ingredient, so they can cause uncontrollable fluctuations in blood sugar levels or even damage to health in diabetics.

WHO has therefore warned doctors, pharmacists, drug regulatory authorities and the public to be vigilant. The World Health Organization has also recommended that people buy medicines only by prescription, in pharmacies, and not to order medicines on the Internet. In addition, those concerned must check whether the dosing scale is correctly indicated on the insulin dosing pen, whether the label looks correct, and whether there are no spelling errors on the packaging, they pointed out.

MTI

Photo: Pixabay