Counterfeit Ozempic Seized By FDA, Drugmaker Warns About Fake Injection's Dangers

The maker of Ozempic and federal regulators are sending out warnings about counterfeit versions of the anti-diabetic drug after several hundred fake units were seized outside the authorized supply chain.

An Ozempic pen.
Photo Credit: *Unsplash - Haberdoedas*

Boxes of counterfeit versions of Ozempic with fake serial numbers.
Photo Credit: *Novo Nordisk*

Chris Spiker

04/14/2025 2:57 p.m.

The counterfeit products involve one milligram doses of the popular semaglutide injection, Novo Nordisk said in a news release on Monday, April 14. The counterfeit Ozempic was found with lot number "PAR0362" and serial numbers beginning with 51746517.

While lot number PAR0362 is authentic, it becomes counterfeit only when combined with those eight serial digits.

"As the investigation continues, further analyses, including extensive visual examination and chemical testing of the seized, counterfeit product is underway," said Novo Nordisk. "Accordingly, neither Novo Nordisk nor FDA can confirm the contents or quality of the counterfeit product, which may present a safety risk for patients who use the counterfeit product."

The FDA was notified about the fake injections on Thursday, April 3, and they were seized on Wednesday, April 9.

"FDA is aware of six adverse event reports associated with this lot, however none of them appear to be associated with the counterfeit product," the agency said. "All six adverse events were reported by Novo Nordisk."

Ozempic is a prescription medication approved for blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. The injection has gained widespread use as a weight loss medication.

Compounded or counterfeit versions may contain incorrect doses, harmful ingredients, or salt forms of semaglutide that are not approved by the FDA. Patients should not use any product with the flagged lot and serial number combination.

This warning comes as the FDA continues to raise alarms about unapproved or compounded versions of semaglutide – the active ingredient in Ozempic – being sold for weight loss. The agency has received more than 455 reports of adverse events linked to compounded semaglutide, including some requiring hospitalization.

Pharmacies are advised to only purchase authentic Ozempic from distributors authorized by Novo Nordisk, which has its US headquarters in Plainsboro, New Jersey. Patients should double-check their packaging and call Novo Nordisk customer care at 1-800-727-6500 with any concerns.

Anyone who needs to get Ozempic prescriptions filled should only use state-licensed pharmacies and report counterfeit or suspicious products to the FDA's MedWatch program.

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