Patients and pharmacies are urged to verify their Ozempic supplies against FDA specifications and report any counterfeit products to Novo Nordisk and the FDA.

The counterfeit Ozempic products in question carry a legitimate lot number, 'PAR0362', but have a fraudulent serial number beginning with '51746517'.

On April 9, 2025, the FDA seized these counterfeit products, although some may still be circulating in the market.

The emergence of counterfeit Ozempic highlights the drug's growing popularity, particularly for off-label weight loss use.

In February 2025, the FDA announced the resolution of the Ozempic and Wegovy shortage, which led to the discontinuation of less expensive compounded versions.

Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any side effects or adverse reactions related to Ozempic through the MedWatch Safety Information program.

The FDA has received six adverse event reports associated with the counterfeit lot, but none are believed to be linked to the counterfeit products; all reports were made by Novo Nordisk.

These adverse reactions are consistent with the normal gastrointestinal side effects of semaglutide and are not specifically associated with the counterfeit product.

Testing of the seized counterfeit products revealed that other components, such as needles, pen labels, packaging, and inserts, are also counterfeit, raising concerns about sterility and infection risk.

The North Carolina Attorney General has issued warnings about fake weight loss drugs, although no counterfeit cases have been reported to their office to date.

Reports of counterfeit or tampered medicines can be made to local FDA consumer complaint coordinators or via the FDA's criminal activity portal.

Previously, in December 2023, the FDA had seized thousands of fake Ozempic units and cautioned that some may still be available for purchase.