The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned on April 14 that counterfeit versions of Ozempic, a widely used diabetes medication, have entered the U.S. drug supply.
According to an official announcement by the FDA, Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical giant behind Ozempic and its higher-dose counterpart, Wegovy, alerted the agency that “several hundred units of counterfeit Ozempic (semaglutide) injection 1 mg” had infiltrated the U.S. drug supply chain. The counterfeit products were reportedly distributed outside Novo Nordisk’s authorized channels.
Federal authorities promptly seized the identified fake products on April 9, 2025. Currently, these counterfeit medications are undergoing extensive testing by both the FDA and Novo Nordisk to determine their identity, quality, and potential health risks.
The FDA has specifically warned healthcare providers, wholesalers, pharmacies, and patients to carefully inspect their Ozempic supplies. Any medications labeled with lot number PAR0362 and bearing serial numbers starting with 51746517 should immediately be removed from circulation and not used, sold, or distributed.
“FDA is aware of six adverse event reports associated with this lot,” the agency noted. However, investigators believe none of these incidents are linked directly to the counterfeit drugs seized. All adverse events were reported independently by Novo Nordisk.
Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida-based neurosurgeon and specialist in longevity medicine, emphasized the risks posed by counterfeit medications, highlighting the trend of individuals seeking cheaper alternatives to costly brand-name drugs like Ozempic.
“Due to the cost of brand-name Ozempic, more people are turning to cheaper knock-off versions, often found online or through non-regulated channels,” Dr. Osborn told Fox News Digital. He stressed the inherent dangers of medications produced in environments without proper medical oversight or quality control.
“These knock-offs are synthesized in non-medical environments without necessary quality assurance, making them inherently risky,” he warned. “Unless you’re getting the medication from a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription from a doctor, purchasing Ozempic or its knockoffs online is dangerous. You can’t verify the product’s source, ingredients, or safety.”
Dr. Osborn also cautioned that semaglutide medications such as Ozempic require precise manufacturing to ensure safety and efficacy, reiterating that legitimate prescriptions should only come from licensed physicians—not nurse practitioners via telemedicine visits or chiropractors.
“When used correctly, these medications are powerful tools but can be dangerous in the wrong hands,” Dr. Osborn concluded. “Always consult a healthcare provider with proper training and experience. Safety first.”
The FDA’s investigation remains ongoing, with health officials urging continued vigilance among consumers and healthcare providers nationwide.