The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has said falsified type 2 diabetes pens which were discovered at two wholesalers have been recalled and there is no evidence any have been dispensed by pharmacies to patients in the UK.

An investigation by the regulator, who said the pre-filled pens were falsely labelled as the diabetes medicine Ozempic (semaglutide, 1 mg, solution for injection), found the products arrived in the country from legitimate suppliers in Austria and Germany.

The MHRA said it is working “closely with its regulatory partners internationally to continue to maintain the security of the wider supply chain, both at home and abroad.”

It said that although the falsified pens “appeared to have authentic German packaging,” there were “substantial differences compared with genuine pens.” The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, the medical regulatory authority in Germany, published photographs of the genuine and falsified products.

“We work closely with global regulatory partners to ensure that the medicines supply chain in the UK is kept secure, to keep patients safe. Patients can be assured that the products they use are genuine when accessed through legitimate sources,” said Dr Alison Cave, the MHRA ’s chief safety officer.

“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.”