FDA Warns Americans After Fake Ozempic Discovered in US Drug Supply

The Food and Drug Administration has sounded the alarm after several hundred units of counterfeit Ozempic injections made their way into the U.S. drug supply chain. Novo Nordisk, the company behind Ozempic and Wegovy, tipped off the FDA about the issue, and the agency confirmed on April 14 that it had seized these fake products just days before.

Ozempic is a well-known injectable medication for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy serves as its higher-dose cousin for treating obesity. The FDA's warning comes as cheaper, unauthorized knock-offs of these drugs become more popular, especially online, prompting concerns about their safety.

The counterfeit products, which were distributed outside Novo Nordisk's authorized supply chain, have now been confiscated and are under scrutiny to determine their contents and safety. The FDA has urged everyone—from patients to pharmacies and wholesalers—to check their Ozempic supplies. Specifically, any medication with lot number PAR0362 and a serial number starting with 51746517 should be considered off-limits: do not use, sell, or distribute it.

So far, six adverse events have been reported that are linked to this lot, but none appear to be directly tied to the counterfeit drugs. Novo Nordisk has stated that patient safety is their top priority, and they're working to keep everyone informed about counterfeit incidents as soon as they come up. It's a little unsettling that such a crucial medication can get faked right under the industry's nose, but here we are.

Testing of the seized products is ongoing, and the FDA continues to investigate. As the probe unfolds, doctors are reminding patients that cost-cutting by buying knock-off meds can come at a much higher price. Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity specialist, warned that these fake drugs are often made in non-medical environments, with zero quality control. That means people can't really know what they're injecting into their bodies—definitely not the kind of medical mystery anyone wants to solve.

Osborn emphasized that medications like Ozempic require precise manufacturing and should only be used when prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. He cautioned against buying these drugs from online sources or unregulated sellers, stating the obvious—there's no way to guarantee what's inside those vials.

Bottom line: If you’re considering these medications, make sure you’re getting the real deal through a licensed pharmacy and a valid prescription. As Dr. Osborn bluntly put it, even powerful drugs like Ozempic can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider and put safety first.