The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to the Nigerian public regarding a single batch of falsified Ozempic (Semaglutide) injection pens that have been discovered in the country.

Ozempic is an injectable prescription medicine that is used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, in conjunction with diet and exercise.

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The marketing authorization holder (MAH) of the product, Novo Nordisk, confirmed that the ozempic injection pen with batch number MP5B060 is falsified after an inquiry received from a customer about the product.

The picture of the falsified product provided was scrutinized and the image of the pen in the picture was observed to be different from the one in the genuine product, according to NAFDAC.

The agency has warned the public that the falsified Ozempic injection pens are relabeled Apidra Solostar pens. The content of one of the pens was analyzed and found to contain the fast-action insulin glulisine, which is believed to be the case in all the falsified Ozempic pens identified.

This means that the content of the falsified pens is entirely different from the genuine product. Although the product is not in NAFDAC’s database, it is likely that it might have been distributed in the country through informal markets.

NAFDAC has implored importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare providers, and patients to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, administration, or use of falsified or substandard medicinal products.

All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers, and the products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.

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NAFDAC has also advised healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion of adverse drug reactions, substandard, and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322, or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

If individuals have this falsified product, they should not use it, and if anyone has used the product or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use, they are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.