The UK medicines regulator has issued a public warning about fake and potentially harmful weight loss pens after seizing hundreds of devices sold by illegal traders. The pens, claimed to contain Ozempic or Saxenda, may contain other substances, including insulin, which has led to hospitalisations.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) urged the public not to buy any pre-filled pens claiming to contain Saxenda or Ozempic without a prescription. Since the start of the year, the regulator has seized 369 potentially fake Ozempic pens and received reports of fake Saxenda pens obtained through non-legitimate routes.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, said buying such products from illegal suppliers significantly increases the risk of receiving something fake or unlicensed. The products fail to meet quality and safety standards, putting users' health at significant risk.
A small number of people have been hospitalised after using the pens, experiencing side-effects ranging from hypoglycaemic shock to coma, leading officials to suspect the pens contain insulin. Austrian authorities also reported several hospitalisations after counterfeit Ozempic injections.
Health minister Will Quince said fraudsters selling hidden market medicines are extremely dangerous and put people's health at risk. He advised patients to only use medicines prescribed by a legitimate source, such as their GP.
The MHRA urged anyone who suspects side-effects or a fake product to report it via the Yellow Card scheme. Prof Paul Gately of Obesity UK expressed concern that people with obesity are falling victim to criminals selling fake weight loss drugs.
