Citizens alerted to falsified, unregistered Ozempic in Guyana

The Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) earlier this week issued an urgent consumer alert, informing Guyanese that falsified batches of the diabetic and weight loss drug Ozempic may be circulating on the local market.

This is based on information provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), regarding three falsified batches of OZEMPIC (semaglutide). These falsified products have been detected in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America and were supplied within regulated supply chains.

“Guyana is among the countries that may be affected by the distribution of the following falsified medication: OZEMPIC (semaglutide),” the statement released by the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department noted.

The genuine manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, has confirmed that the three referenced products are falsified. These products misrepresent their identity and source as they were not manufactured by Novo Nordisk:

• Batch number LP6F832 is not recognized.
• The combination of batch number NAR0074 with serial number 430834149057 does not correspond to genuine manufacturing records.
• Batch number MP5E511 is genuine, but the product is falsified.

The use of falsified Ozempic may result in ineffective treatment of patients due to incorrect dosage, contamination with harmful substances, or use of unknown or substituted ingredients. It poses serious health risks because of its subcutaneous injection administration, which could be life-threatening.

Additionally, Ozempic (semaglutide) is not registered in Guyana and therefore should not be marketed locally.

Consumers are encouraged to report any entity that is offering this product for sale by contacting the GA-FDD on the following numbers: (592) 222-8859; 222-8934; or WhatsApp on (592) 222-8011.

Consumers are reminded that it is unsafe to use an unregistered medicine that has not been given the necessary approvals by the GA-FDD.

Healthcare professionals and the general public are strongly encouraged to report any suspected cases of adverse events related to the use of this falsified medicine to the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department or the product’s manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler, or retailer.

For further information and updates on this alert, please contact the GA-FDD at 222-8934, 222-8859, 222-8860, on Facebook at Government Analyst Food and Drug Department, or visit our website at gafdd.gy.

We thank you for your cooperation in this matter and urge everyone to exercise caution and vigilance in ensuring the safety of medication use.