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- The World Health Organization (WHO) warns about counterfeit diabetes drugs that have been in circulation since 2022.
- These have been discovered in Europe and America since last October, writes the WHO.
- Specifically, it is about the drug Ozempic, which is also used as a weight loss aid.
Counterfeits have been found in the UK, the US and Brazil since 2023. Ozempic, a drug containing the active ingredient semaglutide, is also approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The counterfeit version looks identical to the real drug. Because the product also suppresses appetite, it is increasingly being prescribed for weight loss.
Legend:
Ozempic is more than just a weight loss injection.
Keystone/AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Counterfeit medicines may not contain the right amount of active ingredients and therefore lead to uncontrolled sugar levels in diabetics, the WHO reported. They may also contain other active ingredients that pose health risks.
The WHO called on doctors and pharmacists, regulators and the public to be vigilant. All medicines should only be bought with a prescription from pharmacies and not online, the WHO said. Users should ensure that the dosage scale on insulin pens is displayed correctly, the label looks correct and there are no spelling mistakes on the box.
SRF 4 News, 20.6.24, 10pm;
sda/dpa/schp;horm
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