The World Well being Group (WHO) has raised issues over falsified semaglutides, the medicines used for treating kind 2 diabetes and weight problems, following the detection of counterfeit batches in a number of international locations.
In October 2023, Brazil, the UK, and the USA recognized counterfeit semaglutide merchandise, particularly from the model Ozempic.
Since 2022, WHO’s International Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) has famous an uptick in experiences of falsified semaglutide throughout numerous areas.
Official discover and suggestions
On June 20, 2024, WHO issued its first official alert in response to verified experiences. Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s Assistant Director-Common for Entry to Medicines and Well being Merchandise, emphasised vigilance amongst healthcare professionals, regulatory our bodies, and the general public.
The advisory urged stakeholders to stop utilizing suspicious medicines and promptly report any issues to related authorities.
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Affected person security measures
To safeguard in opposition to counterfeit medicines, sufferers are suggested to acquire medicines solely via licensed healthcare suppliers and to keep away from buying from unfamiliar or unverified sources, notably on-line.
Moreover, sufferers ought to confirm packaging integrity and expiration dates earlier than use. For injectable semaglutides, correct refrigeration is essential to keep up efficacy and security.
