Counterfeit Ozempic is a deadly threat. What did the injectables sold by the criminals contain?

Patients who administered the contents of pretend Ozempic injectors to themselves experienced seizures and hypoglycemia. This may indicate that the pens contained... insulin.

Earlier, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) warned of counterfeit Ozempic appearing on the market. The problem of an increase in online listings for a formulation labeled Ozempic was also signaled by the drug's manufacturer, Danish company Novo Nordisk.

The EMA and law enforcement authorities in Germany and the UK are investigating the sale of counterfeit injectors with German labels in the original Ozempic packaging by a wholesaler in Austria to Germany and from there to two UK wholesalers.

Austria's BASG did not provide the exact number of people affected by the fake Ozempic. According to the EMA's findings, the counterfeits did not reach retail pharmacies. Austrian officials warn that counterfeit injectables may still be in circulation.

Source: Reuters

Symptoms of hypoglycemia, depending on its severity, include:

Slight hypoglycemia:

• Hunger
• Pots
• Trembling arms and legs
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness or mild headaches
• Mood volatility or irritability

Moderate hypoglycemia:

• Blurred vision
• Difficulty in concentration
• Deterioration of motor coordination
• Numbness or tingling around the mouth and fingers
• Fatigue and weakness

Severe hypoglycemia:

• Confusion
• Aggressive or unusual behavior
• Loss of consciousness
• Tremors
• Coma
• Death