Weight loss injections such as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Saxenda® for weight reduction are in high demand worldwide. However, with rising demand, the market for fraudsters is growing, and counterfeit versions of the medication have also been discovered and reported in Europe. These fake medications are not only ineffective but can also lead to serious health consequences.
Currently, there is no cause for panic for German patients: The Ministry for Social Affairs, Health and Integration of Baden-Württemberg as well as the Freiburg Regional Council indicate that no evidence has been found in recent months that there are currently counterfeit products circulating within the legal supply chain in Germany. Nevertheless, it is advisable to check every medication before use, especially if it is the diabetes medication Ozempic.
How you can ensure you do not fall victim to a scam and where to obtain original GLP-1 medications - a comprehensive guide.
What are weight loss injections?
GLP-1 medications, better known as weight loss injections, are medical preparations used to support weight reduction. These GLP-1 receptor agonists (also known as GLP-1 analogues or incretin mimetics) contain active ingredients such as semaglutide or liraglutide, which increase the feeling of fullness and suppress appetite.
Dangers of counterfeit weight loss injections
The risks of counterfeit weight loss injections should not be underestimated. Apart from the fact that they do not achieve the desired effect, they can have unpredictable side effects. Fake products can contain contaminants or incorrect active ingredients, which can lead to serious health problems. Reports of negative experiences range from allergic reactions to life-threatening conditions.
Another problem with counterfeit weight loss injections is that they are often manufactured in inadequate production environments. This can lead to contamination with bacteria or other harmful substances, increasing the risk of significant health hazards, such as serious infections.
In some cases, medications were discovered that contained no active ingredient at all, meaning the user assumes all the risks without any therapeutic benefit.
The BfArM reported cases in which counterfeit versions of the medicinal product Ozempic® contained only insulin instead of the active ingredient semaglutide. They were presumably relabeled by the fraudsters, i.e., insulin pens were provided with fake Ozempic® and Saxenda® labels. These affected pens pose a dangerous risk to unsuspecting patients, because insulin is used to treat patients with diabetes mellitus to lower high blood sugar levels. “The original products Ozempic® and Saxenda® are not insulins and act differently on the body.”, states a notification from the manufacturer Novo Nordisk.
How do I recognize counterfeit weight loss injections?
Recognizing counterfeit weight loss injections is essential for safety, but not that easy. Pay attention to the following features:
Images of original and counterfeit versions of the medicinal product Ozempic® (Copyright Novo Nordisk) Source: Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices
- Packaging and labeling: Check the packaging for inconsistencies such as spelling errors, blurry prints, and missing information. Genuine products have clear, error-free labeling. According to the BfArM, however, the counterfeits are difficult or impossible to identify based on the secondary packaging (outer packaging), so you should definitely check other features.
- Primary packaging (=injection pen): Also check the primary packaging for authenticity. In the identified counterfeit versions of the medication Ozempic, color differences of the injection pen were recognizable: On the original syringe, the rotatable ring in the rear area is light blue. On the counterfeit, it is gray. The injection button at the end of the syringe is gray on the original syringe and blue on the counterfeit.
- Consistency of the liquid: All weight loss injections should contain a clear solution without particles. Abnormalities in consistency, or if the solution in the pen's viewing window looks cloudy, can be an indication of counterfeits.
- Serial number and expiry date: Compare the serial number and expiry date with the manufacturer's information. The following product was identified as a counterfeit: Serial number: 1946483405690 of the batch: MP5E511, expiry date: 07/2025. Apart from the previously known counterfeit of the medicinal product, no counterfeits with other serial numbers have been identified to date. However, investigations by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices are not yet complete, and it is still being investigated whether other packages with fake serial numbers are in circulation.
- Dose dial: Novo Nordisk Ozempic® and Saxenda® pens have a dose dial with which set doses can be adjusted in the dose display. For Ozempic®, the available doses are 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg. For Saxenda®, the adjustable doses are 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, and 3.0 mg. One of the counterfeits already discovered has a scale from 0 to 80 that emerges from the pen when setting the dose.
Further tips for patients
Identifying reputable providers is also important. Here are some features that can help you with this.
Logo for certified online pharmacies
Legal online pharmacies can always be recognized by their governmentally registered and verified online pharmacy logo—unlike the multitude of illegal pharmacies existing on the internet (so-called "rogue pharmacies"/ illegal and disreputable internet pharmacies that predominantly sell counterfeits)—and can thus be distinguished from health-endangering and disreputable online pharmacies. At SoLean, you can incidentally find this green-and-white seal of quality in the footer, i.e., at the very bottom of the website.
Furthermore, one should pay attention to whether the pharmacy's website uses a secure connection (https://) and whether there are independent reviews and testimonials from customers. These additional indicators can also help to distinguish reputable providers from counterfeits and disreputable shops.
Certified pharmacies have the possibility to check the authenticity of medications using the securPharm system. Basically, every single package of a prescription-only medicinal product has a unique code (Data Matrix code). If the known Data Matrix code were scanned again, an immediate alarm message would occur in the securPharm system. In this way, the dispensing of the counterfeit can be safely prevented.
Customer service
Reputable platforms always offer the possibility to be contacted directly. Is there an e-mail address, ideally even another communication channel, e.g., via WhatsApp or telephone? Does the e-mail address end with a trustworthy domain and is it identical to the website's URL (e.g., endings such as .de or .com)? Is there a legal notice, with an address and a responsible contact person, or just an address (keyword: shell company)? You can reach the SoLean customer service by e-mail or telephone. You can find the contact here.
Another indication of a reputable provider is transparency regarding return policies and the processing of complaints. Trustworthy pharmacies provide clear information on how returns and refunds are handled, which offers additional security for customers.Payment options
Payment options
Reputable and secure providers of weight loss injections predominantly offer you various possibilities for payment (e.g., PayPal, credit card, and payment in advance). Good to know: With payment via credit card or PayPal, the amount can be reclaimed or the booking can be contested. You should pause if payment is possible exclusively by advance payment, e.g., in the form of a bank transfer. This can be an indication of a fake shop that keeps the sum without delivering the ordered goods. As a rule of thumb, the consumer advice center recommends: Ensure that at least two different payment methods are possible.
An additional security feature can be the availability of a buyer protection program, which is often offered by payment services such as PayPal. This program offers additional protection if the product is not delivered or turns out to be a counterfeit. The possibility to reclaim the purchase amount if a problem occurs creates additional trust and security when purchasing medications online.
Furthermore, it can be sensible to check the reviews and testimonials of other customers. Platforms that offer authentic customer reviews and transparent return or complaint processes increase the likelihood that you are dealing with a reputable provider. In case of doubt, it is advisable to fall back on proven providers such as SoLean, who specialize in the distribution of original and approved medications and offer comprehensive advice and support.
What to do if you suspect an Ozempic counterfeit?
If you suspect that you have received a counterfeit Ozempic, quick action is required:
- Do not use: Do not use the medication before you have verified its authenticity.
- Seek professional advice: Contact your pharmacy or your doctor immediately to clarify the suspicion.
- Health emergency: If you have already used a potential counterfeit and notice health problems, seek medical help immediately.
Purchasing medications via reputable platforms such as SoLean significantly minimizes the risk. Nevertheless, it is important to remain vigilant and check the mentioned security features in order to protect yourself from the dangers of counterfeit medications.
Dangerous counterfeits: Insulin and other injection medications
Besides the counterfeits of weight loss injections such as Ozempic and Saxenda, other types of injection medications, especially insulin, are also frequent targets for counterfeiters. These counterfeits pose a significant risk as they concern life-saving medications that are essential for patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes.
Counterfeit insulin
Insulin is a life-saving medication for millions of people with diabetes worldwide. It is used to regulate blood sugar levels and must be administered in the correct dosage and purity to be effective and safe. Counterfeit insulin can contain either no active ingredient, an incorrect active ingredient, or an insufficient amount of the active ingredient, which can lead to extreme fluctuations in blood sugar levels and serious health complications.
Examples of risks with counterfeit insulin include:
- Hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia: Since counterfeit insulin may not contain the correct amount of active ingredient, patients can experience a dangerously low or high blood sugar reaction.
- Contaminants: Counterfeit insulin can be contaminated with harmful substances that can cause allergic reactions or toxic effects.
- Lack of effectiveness: Without the correct composition, counterfeit insulin cannot fulfill its task of regulating blood sugar levels, which can lead to long-term damage.
Counterfeits of other injection medications
Other injection medications are also affected by counterfeits. These include medications used in cancer therapy, for autoimmune diseases, or for pain treatment. Similar to insulin, these counterfeits can have serious consequences, especially if the medications contain no effective ingredients or are contaminated.
- Counterfeits in cancer therapies: Counterfeit medications in oncology can severely impair the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the chances of recovery or remission.
- Immunotherapies: Counterfeits of medications intended to modulate the immune system can lead to patients either overreacting or having no immune response at all, which can be life-threatening.
How to protect yourself
Similar to weight loss injections, it is important to buy only from certified pharmacies and ensure that the medications come from a trustworthy source. The authenticity check via systems such as securPharm is essential to ensure the safety of the medications. If you suspect that a medication is counterfeit, you should not use it and consult a pharmacy immediately to check its authenticity.
Investigations and measures to combat counterfeit medications are underway worldwide, with police authorities and the responsible public prosecutor's offices working closely with health authorities to identify and remove counterfeiters from circulation. It is important to remain vigilant at all times and keep an eye on current developments to ensure that the medications taken are safe and effective.
Conclusion on counterfeits in German packaging
The increasing popularity of weight loss injections such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Saxenda unfortunately also attracts fraudsters who bring counterfeit products onto the market. These counterfeits pose not only a financial risk but also a significant danger to your health. Through knowledge of the characteristics of original products and the choice of reputable providers, you can ensure that you only use authentic and safe medications. The danger from counterfeit weight loss injections is real and requires a high degree of attention and care when selecting and purchasing. Via SoLean, exclusively GLP-1 original medications approved for the German market are available. Delivery is carried out by established and certified online pharmacies. Every product is additionally subjected to an authenticity check before delivery to ensure that no counterfeit packages are delivered to our customers. By observing the mentioned features, you can also check other providers and protect yourself from potential risks.
If you suspect a counterfeit medicinal product:
- Do not use the product
- Contact a pharmacy or your doctor
- If you suspect that you have administered a counterfeit product to yourself, please seek medical help immediately.
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