⚠️ FDA Has Issued Warnings
The FDA has confirmed counterfeit Ozempic pens in the US drug supply. These fakes may contain wrong ingredients, wrong doses, or no active ingredient at all. Some have caused hospitalizations.
How to Spot Counterfeits
Warning Signs of Fake GLP-1 Products
Packaging errors: Misspellings, wrong fonts, blurry printing, incorrect colors. Compare to photos on manufacturer websites.
Missing or wrong lot numbers: Check FDA and manufacturer alerts for specific lot numbers flagged as counterfeit.
Unusual source: Purchased from social media, unlicensed websites, or sellers offering "too good to be true" prices.
Foreign labeling: Labels in languages other than English for products supposedly from US supply.
Unusual appearance: Different colored liquid, floating particles, damaged pen mechanism.
No effect or unusual effects: If medication doesn't work as expected or causes unusual reactions.
How to Protect Yourself
Safe Sourcing Practices
- Use licensed pharmacies only. Verify through your state Board of Pharmacy or NABP.
- Be wary of social media sellers. Legitimate medications aren't sold through Instagram or Facebook.
- If price is too low, question it. Brand Ozempic costs ~$900/month. $100 "brand" Ozempic is likely fake.
- For compounded versions: Use PCAB-accredited or 503B-registered pharmacies. These aren't "counterfeits" but legitimate compounded products.
- Check FDA alerts. Monitor FDA.gov for counterfeit warnings and affected lot numbers.
What Counterfeits May Contain
- No active ingredient: Just saline or buffer solution—ineffective
- Wrong dose: Too much or too little semaglutide
- Wrong drug entirely: Insulin or other medications—potentially dangerous
- Contaminants: Bacteria, particles, unknown substances
What to Do If You Suspect a Counterfeit
- Stop using immediately
- Contact your healthcare provider
- Report to FDA via MedWatch (fda.gov/medwatch)
- Save the product for potential investigation
The Bottom Line
Counterfeit GLP-1 medications are a real and growing problem. Protect yourself: only use licensed pharmacies, be skeptical of unusually low prices, check packaging carefully, and monitor FDA alerts. If something seems off—wrong packaging, no effect, unusual reactions—stop using and report it. The demand-supply gap has created opportunities for dangerous fakes.
Sources
- FDA counterfeit drug warnings and MedWatch reports.
- Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly product authentication guidance.
- NABP pharmacy verification resources.