TGA warning after counterfeit Ozempic pens detected at Australian border

The TGA has issued a warning after fake Ozempic-labelled products were seized at the Australian border.

Aussies have been warned to think before they jab, with more counterfeit Ozempic-labelled products seized at the border.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued the warning on Thursday for products labelled with the batch number MPSD916, which has been confirmed as ingenuine by Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk.

Any pens marked with the batch number should be taken to a local pharmacy for safe disposal, the TGA said.

Counterfeit ozempic injection pens with batch number MPSD916 should be taken to a local pharmacy for disposal. Picture: Supplied

The regulatory body advised the fake injection pens may pose “serious“ health risks and should not be used.

“Consumers should be aware that counterfeit products have not been assessed by us for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation,” a spokesperson said.

Red flags of these particular fake products were typographic packaging errors, including spacing and bold text irregularities.

The TGA said the incident highlighted the need to purchase medicines from “legitimate” sources, rather than over the internet.

Ozempic should only be purchased from legitimate sources. Picture: Mario Tama / Getty Images

“For your safety, always buy medicines from reputable sources and consult your healthcare provider or local registered pharmacy if you have any concerns,” the alert read.

“We advise extreme caution when buying medicines from unknown overseas websites and recommend obtaining them from an Australian pharmacy.”

Australians consumers were reminded it is illegal to import counterfeit products.

The warning comes just six months after the TGA issued a separate alert for counterfeit Ozempic injection pens containing insulin.

The TGA warned fake injection pens may pose serious heath risks. Picture: Getty Images

The TGA said it was working with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to help stop future shipments of counterfeit and substandard Ozempic from entering Australia.

“We will notify ABF to seize and destroy any of these products intercepted at the border,” a spokesperson said.

“While there are reported shortages of products such as Ozempic, we are working to provide consumers with safe alternatives, such as approving the importation of legitimate overseas-registered semaglutide products for temporary supply.”

Originally published as TGA warning after counterfeit Ozempic pens detected at Australian border