Health authorities in the UK have issued a stark warning about counterfeit Ozempic injections being sold through illegal online pharmacies. The fake weight loss jabs, which mimic the popular diabetes drug repurposed for obesity treatment, could pose severe health risks to unsuspecting buyers.
The Growing Threat of Counterfeit Medications
With demand for weight loss drugs skyrocketing, criminal networks are capitalising on shortages by flooding the black market with dangerous imitations. These fake injections often contain incorrect dosages or even completely different substances, putting users at risk of serious complications.
How to Spot Fake Ozempic
Officials advise consumers to watch for these red flags:
- Prices significantly lower than NHS prescriptions
- Websites without proper pharmacy credentials
- No requirement for medical consultation
- Poor quality packaging or labelling
Official Channels Only
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) stresses that Ozempic should only be obtained through legitimate healthcare providers. "These counterfeit products are not just ineffective - they're potentially life-threatening," warned an MHRA spokesperson.
Pharmacists report seeing patients who purchased fake injections suffering from severe side effects, including uncontrolled blood sugar levels and dangerous allergic reactions.
Online Pharmacy Crackdown
UK authorities have launched a nationwide operation targeting illegal online drug sellers. Recent raids have uncovered sophisticated operations manufacturing and distributing counterfeit medications, with weight loss drugs being a particular focus.
Experts recommend that anyone considering weight loss medication should consult their GP first and only use NHS-approved providers or registered pharmacies.
