Semaglutide’s slimming properties shifts the scales towards scarcity and shams

Abstract

Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), has gained attention for its complementary benefits of effective glycaemic control and body weight reduction. However, a concerning trend has emerged as semaglutide, particularly Ozempic®, intended for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, is prescribed off-label for its weight loss properties, leading to a worldwide stock shortage and complicating the treatment of diabetes patients stabilised on this medicine. The surge in demand, fuelled by social media coverage and celebrity endorsements, has prompted the production of counterfeit ‘Ozempic’ products, some containing insulin, posing serious health risks. Health regulatory authorities globally are actively monitoring and warning against counterfeit products, emphasising the importance of using authentic medicines obtained through legal medicine supply chains, prescribed by healthcare professionals. SAHPRA has urged the public to use only registered Ozempic® products, highlighting the health risks associated with unregistered and falsified medicines, and to report any suspicious products.