Agency The World Health Organisation has issued a medical product alert on falsified semaglutides, a type of medicine used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight loss in some countries. WHO made this known in a statement on Thursday, noting that the alert addressed three falsified product batches of semaglutide class of medicines (of a specific brand – Ozempic). It revealed that the medicines were been detected in Brazil in October 2023, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland in October 2023, and the United States of America in December 2023.
It stated. “WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS), has been observing increased reports on falsified semaglutide products in all geographical regions since 2022. “This is the first official notice issued by WHO after confirmation of some of the reports.
” WHO Assistant Director-General for Essential Medicines and Health Products, Dr Yukiko Nakatani, said the WHO advised healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the public to be aware of these falsified batches of medicines. Nakatani called on stakeholders to stop any usage of suspicious medicines and report to the relevant authorities. “The semaglutides, including the specific brand product that has been falsified, are prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes in order to lower their blood sugar levels.
“Semaglutides also reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. “Most semaglutide products must be injected under the skin on a weekly basis .