Kenyan authorities are warning the public about the circulation of fake Ozempic (semaglutide) pens in the market.
This alert comes after Interpol notified the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) that criminals are refilling Apidra Solostar pens, a diabetes medication, and relabelling them as Ozempic. Notably, genuine Ozempic pens are not currently authorized for sale in Kenya. PPB CEO Dr Fred Siyoi regrets the complete lack of oversight regarding the safety, quality, and effectiveness of these counterfeit products. The PPB has increased surveillance efforts to locate and remove these dangerous models from circulation.
The falsification of Ozempic pens points to the larger problem of the proliferation of counterfeit medications. Increased demand for Ozempic, partly due to its off-label use for weight loss, has created a shortage and fueled a black market for counterfeits. This is not just a Kenyan issue as similar concerns have been raised by health organizations worldwide. Counterfeit medications pose a significant public health threat as their safety and efficacy are entirely unknown. The PPB’s rapid response aims to protect Kenyans by ensuring only genuine and authorized medications are available.
The PPB urges healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products they encounter. The authority emphasizes that the collaboration between pharmacists, doctors, and patients is crucial for identifying and removing these counterfeits. In June, the World Health Organization raised alarms about counterfeit Ozempic discovered in multiple countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. Concurrently, Eli Lilly voiced apprehensions regarding fraudulent versions of its medications being marketed through various channels such as online platforms, social media, and medical spas.
While experts in the field of counterfeit pharmaceuticals find these developments concerning, they are not entirely surprised. The confluence of high prices, limited availability, and significant demand for these medications has created an environment ripe for the proliferation of counterfeit products.
In response to these market conditions, an illicit trade in imitation drugs has emerged. These counterfeit products are often sold online at reduced prices, without the need for prescriptions or medical oversight. Some websites have even established digital storefronts offering what they claim to be semaglutide, the active component in Ozempic.
