New Delhi: Weight loss and diabetes drugs have gained a great of popularity in the recent times and a lot of it is owed to the increasing incidence of obesity and chronic health problems like type-2 diabetes. However, it is imperative to be sure of whether of not the drugs being used as genuine or not. Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned against fake diabetes and weight loss drugs that have been detected in the UK and other parts of the world. An alert has been issued against these false semaglutides, the medication used for treatment of type-2 diabetes and obesity.
In the UK in October 2023, three fake batches named Ozempic were detected, also in Brazil and the US. The drugs are usually prescribed to diabetic patients to allow them to lower blood sugar levels. The counterfeit drugs can also have harmful effects on overall health. And if they do not have raw components, the falsified medication can result in health complications in a long run.
The WHO urged patients relying on these drugs to only purchase the same with prescriptions from licensed pharmacies and to avoid using counterfeit products that could do more harm than good. It is also advised to not purchase the same from online pharmacies to reduce the risk of buying counterfeit, fake medicines.
“WHO advises healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the public be aware of these falsified batches of medicines. We call on stakeholders to stop any usage of suspicious medicines and report to relevant authorities,” Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Essential Medicines and Health Products, said in a statement.
Ozempic can also be prescribed to patients suffering from type-2 diabetes, but it is not licensed as a weight loss drug in the UK or the US. However, the British government also acknowledged that the same is used off-label for the purpose. Medical experts have also cautioned against the use of such medicines without a proper understanding of the potential risks and side effects involved. Although Ozempic has proved effective for weight loss purposes, majorly because of its appetite-suppressing effects, it does have some risks involved. The drug can also lead to gastrointestinal side effects in a long run.
The WHO urged patients relying on these drugs to only purchase the same with prescriptions from licensed pharmacies and to avoid using counterfeit products that could do more harm than good. It is also advised to not purchase the same from online pharmacies to reduce the risk of buying counterfeit, fake medicines. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
