NAFDAC warns Nigerians on falsely labelled anti-diabetic drug, Ozempic

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued a public warning regarding the falsely labeled anti-diabetic drug, Ozempic, which has circulated in markets.

The agency noted that Ozempic, a solution for injection drug, was contained in pre-filled pens identified in international markets.

NAFDAC disclosed this in a tweet via its official X handle late Friday.

It stated that Ozempic isn’t registered with the agency, however, the drug had become scarce in the markets due to its high global demand,  thereby leading to falsification.

The tweet read, “NAFDAC is informing the public about the circulation of pre-filled pens falsely labeled as the diabetes medicine, Ozempic (semaglutide, 1 mg, solution for injection) which was identified at wholesalers in the European Union and the UK as reported by the European Medicines Agency.

“The reports of falsification came in the wake of an increase in demand for Ozempic, which has led to a global shortage situation. The pens have batch numbers, 2D barcodes, and unique serial numbers from genuine Ozempic packs.”

The tweet added that “Ozempic (semaglutide) is not registered by NAFDAC. Although the product is not in the NAFDAC database, it is likely that it might have been distributed in the country through informal markets.”

NAFDAC cautioned Nigerians to always purchase all medical products from authorised/licensed suppliers, and also confirm the authenticity of such products

Uses of Ozempic 

As stated by NAFDAC, Ozempic is used to treat type-2 diabetes and is also deployed in long-term weight management as an anti-obesity medication.

It is also used to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke or death in patients with type-2 diabetes and heart or blood vessel disease.

“NAFDAC implores importers, distributors, retailers and healthcare providers and patients to always exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and administration or use of falsified or substandard medicinal products,” the tweet stated.

The agency, on Saturday, said it was investigating a viral social media post alleging a woman frying plantain chips using oil adulterated with polythene.

NAFDAC had launched an online app, ‘Greenbook,’ with a database of all the medications it has registered, according to the Director-General, Prof. Moji Adeyeye.

Furthermore, the Nigerian Customs Service, Sokoto Zonal Command, on Wednesday, handed over 1,198 cartons of seized fake drugs to the NAFDAC in Sokoto.

The Area Controller, Musa Omale, said the seizure was in line with the collaboration policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.

He stressed that unregistered pharmaceutical drugs pose great danger to the nation, adding that the problem of counterfeit drugs is a global scourge that the whole world is grappling with.