The FDA is warning prescription retailers, pharmacies, medical providers, and the public about fake versions of the diabetes drug, Ozempic, being circulated. While thousands of counterfeits have been removed, fake versions of Ozempic may still be available. Those taking Ozempic should check the packaging for lot number NAR0074 and serial number 43083414905. These are fake and should not be taken.  Report such cases to the FDA by calling your local FDA consumer complaint coordinator or by reporting it directly as suspected criminal activity.

Ozempic is a prescription drug prescribed to those with diabetes to help them improve their blood sugar and prevent other chronic diseases (e.g. stroke and heart attack) along with death. While not approved for weight loss, some individuals without diabetes use Ozempic to lose weight.

The FDA found thousands of units of fake versions of Ozempic and have removed them from being sold. The FDA warns those distributing, prescribing, and using this product to report and no longer use or sell products that have the lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057.

Individuals who received the counterfeit product have reported intestinal reactions also common among authentic versions of Ozempic (e.g. abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting).

The FDA is also concerned that the needles of these counterfeit products may not be properly cleaned. Nonsterile needles can result in infection.

To prevent further infection the FDA recommends the following

1. Pharmacies: Only purchase Ozempic through the following retailers and continue to check the packaging of the items to make sure that they are real.
2. Medical providers and patients: Side effects associated with, and the use of, the fake version should be reported either online or by fax.

It is unknown whether there are counterfeit Ozempic products still being distributed to the public.