GLP-1 News Alert: Counterfeit Ozempic Warning from FDA
- Jennifer Hardy
- Apr 20
- 3 min read
As demand for GLP-1 medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) continues to surge in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and drugmaker Novo Nordisk have issued a counterfeit Ozempic warning after identifying fake versions of the drug in the U.S. supply chain.
The FDA confirmed that at least one batch of counterfeit Ozempic 1 mg injection has entered the legitimate drug distribution system, prompting concern from regulators and healthcare professionals. The agency is now urging patients, pharmacies, and healthcare providers to take extra precautions and avoid using or distributing any products linked to the affected batch.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
How to spot the known counterfeit Ozempic pens
What the FDA and Novo Nordisk are saying about it
How to report a suspicious product safely and quickly
Details of the Counterfeit Ozempic Warning
The counterfeit product in question is labeled as Ozempic 1 mg (semaglutide) and carries lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057. You can see where to find that in the image below.
While these identifiers match a legitimate Novo Nordisk product, the FDA has confirmed that the pens associated with this lot number in circulation are counterfeit and may contain unknown substances or incorrect dosages.
According to Novo Nordisk, the company has not manufactured or distributed the counterfeit product identified by the FDA.
The manufacturer emphasized that all semaglutide products should be obtained only through authorized pharmacies and licensed healthcare providers, and not through online vendors, med spas, or wellness clinics.
What to Do if You Take Ozempic
You don’t need to panic—but it is a good time to stay informed and be extra cautious, especially when demand is high and supply chains are tight.
Consumers and healthcare providers are advised to visually inspect packaging and pens for signs of tampering or inconsistencies. While counterfeiters have replicated some labeling features, there are several potential red flags:
Incorrect pen functionality: Legitimate Ozempic pens do not extend in length when the dose is set. Some counterfeit pens may physically expand or look different when adjusting the dial.
Labeling errors: Misspellings such as “1pen” instead of “1 pen,” poorly adhered labels, or differences in font or packaging materials.
Missing safety features: Counterfeit packaging may lack perforations or tamper-evident seals commonly found on authentic Novo Nordisk products.
The FDA advises patients to stop using any Ozempic pen that appears suspicious and consult their healthcare provider immediately.
Here are some more photos to help tell the difference between legit and counterfeit Ozempic containers.
Health Risks and Safety Concerns
Using a counterfeit medication can pose serious health risks, including underdosing, overdosing, contamination, or exposure to unapproved ingredients.
Because semaglutide is used to manage blood glucose and reduce appetite, an incorrect dose could lead to blood sugar instability, nausea, vomiting, or more severe adverse reactions.
At this time, the FDA has not received reports of adverse events directly linked to the counterfeit batch, but investigations are ongoing.
How to Report Suspected Counterfeit Products
If you suspect that you’ve received a counterfeit Ozempic pen—or have any information that may help authorities—you are encouraged to report it:
To the FDA: Use the MedWatch Safety Reporting system or call 1-800-FDA-1088. This helps the agency track counterfeit products and investigate supply chain breaches.
To Novo Nordisk: Call 1-800-727-6500 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM–6:00 PM EST) to report a product concern directly to the manufacturer.
Consumers should also keep the packaging and product available for inspection if asked by their pharmacy or the FDA.
A Growing Concern as Demand Rises
The counterfeit Ozempic warning comes amid unprecedented demand for GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, fueled by their effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity.
These medications have been subject to supply shortages, and in some cases, patients and providers have turned to compounding pharmacies or alternative suppliers, creating an opening for counterfeiters to exploit.
The FDA has previously cautioned against purchasing semaglutide products from unauthorized sources or using compounded versions unless they are necessary and prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional.
Bottom Line
If you are currently using Ozempic or plan to start, this is an important reminder to be vigilant. Only obtain medications from licensed, trusted pharmacies, and if anything about your pen or packaging seems unusual—don’t use it. Contact your healthcare provider, the FDA, or Novo Nordisk to report your concern.
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