Warning Issued Over Counterfeit Ozempic in South Africa Amidst Shortage

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has recently sounded an alarm over the emergence of counterfeit Ozempic, a medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, which has garnered widespread attention for its weight loss properties. SAHPRA's alert comes in the wake of reports that counterfeit versions of the drug are being sold across South Africa, often promoted through social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace, and even advertised on radio stations.

Produced by Novo Nordisk South Africa, Ozempic, or semaglutide, is designed as a once-weekly injectable to help manage blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. However, the drug's unexpected weight loss benefits have led to a surge in its off-label use, resulting in systemic shortages and limiting access for those with medical prescriptions.

Novo Nordisk, hailed as Europe's most valuable company in terms of market capitalization, has also produced Wegovy, another semaglutide-based injectable that has enjoyed similar success. Despite this, SAHPRA categorically states that the authorized distributor of the drug in the country, Novo Nordisk South Africa, is currently grappling with a supply shortfall nationwide.

The shortage of Ozempic has inadvertently provided a breeding ground for counterfeit or falsified products masquerading under the same name. These products pose significant risks, as they may contain incorrect dosage levels, other active ingredients such as insulin, potentially harmful inactive substances, or contaminants due to non-sterile conditions. With such risks at play, consumers seeking the medication for blood glucose management or weight loss are warned to exercise extreme caution.

In South Africa, the legal acquisition of Ozempic requires a prescription, as it is classified as a Schedule 4 medicine, exclusively authorized for treating adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nonetheless, the emergence and persistence of counterfeit products underscore an ongoing issue with off-label dispensing, heightening health risks for the public.

Reflecting on the gravity of this issue, Dr. Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, CEO of SAHPRA, emphasized the authority's commitment to protecting South African citizens from the dangers presented by unregistered, substandard, or falsified medications. She noted that the institution is actively investigating the proliferation of these counterfeit semaglutide products.

The impact of the counterfeit Ozempic crisis extends beyond South African borders. International incidents, such as those reported in Austria where patients experienced hypoglycaemia and seizures after using fake Ozempic pens, and in the United Kingdom, where some individuals were hospitalized, including cases of hypoglycaemic shock and coma, underscore the peril of these dubious products.

As the counterfeit drug situation unfolds, SAHPRA fervently advises the public to seek medications only through verified, legal channels to ensure safety and efficacy. The authority remains vigilant, marshalling its resources to crack down on counterfeit medication networks and safeguarding the well-being of all South Africans.