Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that last year’s global shortage of popular diabetes drugs (which are also used for weight loss) has led to suspected counterfeit drugs. There was an increase in usage.
The agency said that counterfeit versions of drugs belonging to the GLP-1 agonist class are often being sold and distributed through unregulated channels (including social media platforms), which have serious health consequences. .
According to the WHO, counterfeit drugs are known to cause poor performance or toxic reactions. It is quite possible that the medicines may have been manufactured in an unsanitary environment by uncertified persons due to which they are contaminated with bacteria.
The huge demand for Ozempic and several similar drugs (which were approved as weight loss drugs) has led to the consumption of fake drugs in the global market.
According to a news agency, in 2023, three people in the US received medical attention after their blood sugar dropped dangerously low after using a copy of Ozympic.
Last year, Austrian and Lebanese health officials also reported that people were hospitalized after using fake Ozympic.
GLP-1 agonists (which were developed to treat type 2 diabetes) reduce food cravings and slow the rate of gastric emptying. Clinical trials have shown that these drugs 15 to 20 percent weight loss in patients.
The World Health Organization said that type 2 diabetes patients suffered the most due to the prolonged shortage of these drugs and the availability of counterfeit drugs.
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