Novo Nordisk Raises Alarm Over Counterfeit Ozempic® Injection Circulating in the US Market
Novo Nordisk has recently issued a warning to consumers about counterfeit doses of its diabetes medication, Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 1 mg, that have been distributed outside of its authorized supply chain in the United States. The company has confirmed that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized several hundred units of this counterfeit product, which could pose serious safety risks to patients.
The Situation
As of April 2025, Novo Nordisk identified counterfeit Ozempic® units featuring an authentic lot number, PAR0362, but with illegitimate serial numbers beginning with 51746517. The FDA has collaborated with Novo Nordisk to address these concerns and has updated its website to provide information regarding these counterfeit products.
Novo Nordisk is currently conducting extensive evaluations, including visual inspections and chemical analyses, to determine the actual composition of the seized counterfeit product. However, both Novo Nordisk and the FDA have not yet been able to confirm the contents or safety of these unauthorized injections.
Important Guidelines for Consumers and Retailers
In light of this alarming discovery, both retailers and consumers are advised to take certain precautions:
Pharmacies should only obtain authentic Ozempic® and other semaglutide medications from approved distributors of Novo Nordisk. Retailers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the distinguishing features of the genuine product. If any doubt arises over the authenticity of the medication, pharmacies should contact Novo Nordisk customer care.
Patients must diligently check their Ozempic® packaging for the specific lot number (PAR0362) or serial number starting with 51746517. If these details match, the product is deemed counterfeit and should not be utilized. It’s crucial for consumers to procure Ozempic® injections solely through legitimate pharmacies and to scrutinize the packaging for any signs of tampering before use.
Novo Nordisk believes that obtaining a prescription from a reputable retailer that utilizes authorized distributors minimizes the risks of encountering counterfeit medications. Patients possessing any suspect products are strongly encouraged to report these findings to both Novo Nordisk and the FDA.
Reporting Counterfeit Products
Patients who have received the counterfeit medication are urged to take immediate action:
1.
Report any products with serial numbers starting with 51746517 to the FDA's consumer complaint coordinator or through the FDA's website.
2.
Contact Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500 if further assistance is required with identifying counterfeit medicines.
3. Adverse side effects should also be reported to FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program as well as Novo Nordisk.
For more details on how to responsibly use semaglutide medications and recognize counterfeit products, consumers may visit
semaglutide.com.
About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a reputable global healthcare company with over a century of experience in creating innovative medicines that improve the lives of individuals with diabetes. The company has expanded its focus to combat other serious chronic conditions such as obesity and rare blood and endocrine issues. With a robust presence in the U.S. for 40 years, Novo Nordisk continues to prioritize responsible business practices for long-term success. With headquarters based in New Jersey, Novo Nordisk employs over 10,000 individuals across the nation, operating in various states and Washington D.C. For further company information, please visit
novonordisk-us.com.