The World Health Organization and drug maker Eli Lilly and Co. are warning people to be wary of fake versions of popular weight-loss and diabetes medicines. The WHO said Thursday that it has fielded several reports of fake semaglutide — the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic — in all geographic regions of the world since 2022.
Eli Lilly said in an open letter that it was "deeply concerned" about growing online sales and social media posts involving phony or compounded versions of tirzepatide, the active ingredient behind its drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound. The Indianapolis-based company said it was the only lawful supplier of those drugs, and it does not provide tirzepatide to compounding pharmacies, wellness centres or online retailers. Hundreds of websites are selling fake Ozempic, says company.
Doctors say it's only going to get worse Should Wegovy, the $400-a-month obesity medication, be covered by the provinces? Lilly said fake versions of its drugs frequently advertised or sold online are never safe to use. Novo Nordisk has issued similar warnings in the past about its medications. WATCH | Ozempic in high demand: How surging demand for Ozempic is forcing Ontario to limit coverage for some users 5 months ago Duration 2:17 Ontario is restricting access to Ozempic and conserving its supplies for people with Type 2 diabetes as the medication continues to be prescribed for weight loss.
CBC’s Patrick Swadden spoke to users and doctors about the change. .
