WHO issues global warning about fake Ozempic sold online

(Nancy Schimelpfening/ Healthline) — The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global warning about the increasing danger of fake online pharmacies selling counterfeit GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.

This is the first official notice WHO has issued after confirmation of increasing reports that counterfeit doses of the drug have been seized by the authorities in Brazil, the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and the United States of America.

GLP-1 drugs are used to increase insulin sensitivity and stimulate insulin secretion, as well as reduce blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.

They are also capable of inducing weight loss in those with obesity.

However, they can be expensive without insurance. For example, a carton of Ozempic can cost around $1,000 at most U.S. pharmacies. (…)