FAKE weight loss jabs that have left people in comas been found in the UK, health officials have warned.
Brits should avoid buying pre-filled pens claiming to contain Ozempic or Saxenda without a prescription, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
GettyFake Ozempic jabs that have left people in comas been found in the UK, health officials have warned[/caption]
The agency has seized 369 counterfeit Ozempic pens since January this year, with a “small number of people” being hospitalised after using them, it said.
Some were left in comas and hypoglycaemic shock, which can be fatal.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer said: “Buying products such as Ozempic or Saxenda without a prescription, from illegally trading suppliers, significantly increases the risk of receiving something which is either fake or not licensed for use in the UK.
“Products purchased in this way do not meet our strict quality and safety standards, and taking such medicines may put your health at significant risk.
“We are advising all members of the public not to use any pre-filled weight loss pens they may have bought online and instead to report it to us so that we can investigate and take any necessary action.
“If you suspect that you’ve had a side effect to semaglutide, liraglutide or any other medicine, or suspect it’s not a genuine product, you can report it to our Yellow Card scheme.”
Ozempic — also known as semaglutide — is a diabetes drug that has been prescribed to obese patients off brand because of its weight loss-inducing effects.
It contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy, which was approved on the NHS for some obese patients with a prescription earlier this year alongside Saxenda.
Manufacturers have been unable to keep up with surging demand, which has fuelled the black market — where fake drugs are often sold instead.
Health minister Will Quince said: “No one should put profit before the needs of patients, but fraudsters selling black market medicines like this are extremely dangerous and can put people’s health at risk.
“The medical advice is clear: patients should only use medicines like Ozempic or Saxenda where they’ve been prescribed it by a legitimate source, such as their GP or another legitimate prescriber.
“The MHRA have our full support in cracking down on these illegal online suppliers to ensure that patients are protected.”
Professor Paul Gately, of Obesity UK, said: “We are very concerned to hear reports that people living with obesity are falling victim to criminals who are obtaining and selling fake weight loss medication.
“The dangers to health are clear. Our advice, like that of the MHRA, is that only medication prescribed by a qualified medical or healthcare professional should be taken.”