An MHRA investigation has uncovered batches of pre-filled pens falsely labelled as containing Ozempic.

The medicines watchdog said the products – which were recalled before any were supplied to UK patients – had been “brought in from legitimate suppliers in Austria and Germany”.

“While the falsified pens appear to have authentic German packaging, there are substantial difference compared with genuine pens,” said the MHRA. The German agency BfArM has published the above picture comparing the genuine and falsified products.

The MHRA said it was working closely with its international counterparts “to maintain the security of the wider supply chain,” emphasising that there is no evidence “that any of the falsified pens have been dispensed to patients from legitimate pharmacies or healthcare professionals in the UK”.

There has been a sharp rise in global demand for Ozempic and other semaglutide-containing products over the past year for use as a weight loss aid – a use for which the type 2 diabetes medicine Ozempic is not authorised in the UK. 

MHRA chief safety Alison Cave said: “Buying semaglutide from illegally trading online suppliers significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK. 

“Products purchased in this way will not meet our strict quality and safety standards, and taking such medicines may put your health at risk.”