Health warning over ‘explosion’ of fake Ozempic weight-loss jabs

Pharmacists are warning of an “explosion” in fake weight-loss jabs fuelled by a dearth of Ozempic.

Weight-loss medications have soared in popularity as wealthy countries grapple with an obesity crisis.

But the UK’s National Pharmacy Association says it is “really worried about fakes in the supply chain”, adding that buyers are risking their health by purchasing the drugs online.

It is urging would-be slimmers and diabetics struggling to obtain the medication to first speak to their pharmacist or GP – and use only regulated providers when buying privately.

When the weight-loss properties of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic were first revealed, there was a surge in off-label prescriptions to dieters, which has led to a global shortage.

While Ozempic’s manufacturer Novo Nordisk went on to develop Wegovy as a weight-loss alternative with the same key ingredient, semaglutide, supply difficulties have remained.

This is proving particularly problematic for type 2 diabetics who need Ozempic to help regulate their blood sugar levels.

Experts say the shortages are expected into next year, fuelling the illicit trade online.

Nick Kaye, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Pharmacists remain deeply concerned that the current medicine shortages crisis could lead to an explosion in the unlicensed sale of medication online.

“Stocks of Ozempic are very depleted. It is important that these remain prioritised for those in the most clinical need.

“Given the precarious state of supply of this and other vital medication, there is a much greater risk of people looking to order in supplies from disreputable online vendors.”

He said the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) had been informed that stocks of 0.25mg, 0.5mg and 1mg doses would not be available until December 27.

He added: “In all of our experience, it’s much less likely to be earlier than that date and much more likely to be later.”

Ozempic is available on the NHS for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, while patients wanting Wegovy must be on specialist weight-loss programs and have body mass indexes of more than 30.

But there are growing concerns that people are bypassing the strict criteria by obtaining private prescriptions online, often without full medical consultations or sufficient checks on providers.

Known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, the drugs work by reducing food cravings and cause the stomach to empty more slowly, leading to weight loss.

People often start Ozempic on the lowest dose of 0.25mg, before moving up through the levels if needed.

The NPA, which represents more than 5000 community pharmacies, said its popularity has led to a shortage of the drug for those with diabetes, while also fuelling a rise in counterfeit jabs.

The Department of Health and Social Care has warned providers against prescribing the drugs off-label and to reserve existing stock for type 2 diabetes patients.

Patients are advised to check that online providers are registered and regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council or Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland.

The NPA also wants to see a reintroduction of rules that make it mandatory for a list of regulated online UK medicine sellers to be publicly available, which it says were scrapped after Brexit.

Mr Kaye said: “We think this step will help to improve patient safety. Medicines are not like ordinary goods for sale online. They must be handled with great care because they have the power to harm as well as to heal.

“We urge anyone who is unsure about medicine they purchased online to speak to their local pharmacist for advice.’

The World Health Organisation issued a safety alert in June over potentially deadly batches of fake Ozempic circulating in the UK.

Last autumn, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that they had seized hundreds of fake jabs, claiming to be Ozempic.

A Department of Health spokesman said: “We strongly advise the public not to buy regulated medicines from unauthorised online retailers or beauty salons, as they could be dangerous.

“The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency continuously works to identify those unlawfully trading in medicines and will use its powers to take appropriate enforcement action, including, where necessary, prosecuting those who put people’s health at risk.

“Separately, we are taking action to tackle the obesity crisis head on – shifting our focus from treatment to prevention – which will ease the strain on the NHS, and helping people to live well for longer.”