NAFDAC in a tweet on its official X handle on Friday noted that Ozempic, a solution for injection drug, was contained in pre-filled pens identified in international markets.
It stated that Ozempic isn’t registered with the agency, however, the drug had become scarce in the markets due to its high global demand, thereby leading to falsification.
The tweet read, “NAFDAC is informing the public about the circulation of pre-filled pens falsely labelled as the diabetes medicine, Ozempic (semaglutide, 1 mg, solution for injection) which was identified at wholesalers in the European Union and the UK as reported by the European Medicines Agency.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning regarding the falsely labelled anti-diabetic drug, Ozempic, which has circulated in markets.
NAFDAC in a tweet on its official X handle on Friday noted that Ozempic, a solution for injection drug, was contained in pre-filled pens identified in international markets.
It stated that Ozempic isn’t registered with the agency, however, the drug had become scarce in the markets due to its high global demand, thereby leading to falsification.
The tweet read, “NAFDAC is informing the public about the circulation of pre-filled pens falsely labelled as the diabetes medicine, Ozempic (semaglutide, 1 mg, solution for injection) which was identified at wholesalers in the European Union and the UK as reported by the European Medicines Agency.
“The reports of falsification came in the wake of an increase in demand for Ozempic, which has led to a global shortage situation. The pens have batch numbers, 2D barcodes, and unique serial numbers from genuine Ozempic packs.”
The tweet added that “Ozempic (semaglutide) is not registered by NAFDAC. Although the product is not in the NAFDAC database, it is likely that it might have been distributed in the country through informal markets.”
NAFDAC cautioned Nigerians to always purchase all medical products from authorised/licensed suppliers, and also confirm the authenticity of such products
As stated by NAFDAC, Ozempic is used to treat type-2 diabetes and is also deployed in long-term weight management as an anti-obesity medication.
It is also used to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke or death in patients with type-2 diabetes and heart or blood vessel disease.
“NAFDAC implores importers, distributors, retailers and healthcare providers and patients to always exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and administration or use of falsified or substandard medicinal products,” the tweet stated.