The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning on Thursday regarding falsified semaglutide medications used for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity
in select countries.
This WHO Medical Product Alert addresses three falsified batches of the specific brand Ozempic that were detected in Brazil (October 2023), the United Kingdom
and Northern Ireland (October 2023), and the United States (December 2023). These falsified semaglutide products were distributed through the regulated supply chain.
Novo Nordisk, the genuine manufacturer of Ozempic, confirmed that the three products mentioned in the alert are falsified and were not produced by the company.
Healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the public are advised to remain vigilant regarding these falsified batches of medicines.
Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, urged stakeholders to stop any usage of suspicious medicines and
report them to relevant authorities.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has urged health and care professionals to meet relevant regulatory standards amidst the shortage of GLP-1 receptor
agonists (GLP-1 RAs).
The council said: "We are concerned to hear that people with Type 2 diabetes are experiencing problems accessing GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). We know that
these are being widely prescribed for weight loss purposes and in some cases prescribed off-label."
"We recognise the adverse impact that shortages and supply chain issues can have on patients, the public and wider health and care teams.
The Council understands that health and care professionals are using their professional judgement and making decisions in challenging situations, balancing a range
of factors such as individual patient needs, wider public health and pressures and limitations on available resources such as medicines shortages or other supply
chain issues.
People who use pharmacies in parts of Pendle have suffered shortages or delays in buying prescription medicines such as insulin, councillors have been told.
In the Barnoldswick area, a number of pharmacies have been impacted and some councillors hope a new regional NHS organisation might look into the problems.
However, pharmacies in the neighbouring town of Nelson are facing shortages with other medicines. A pharmacists in Nelson Pharmacy told Pharmacy Business that he
was struggling to meet local demand for children's paracetamol due to ongoing shortages.
Pendle Council's West Craven Area Committee heard about the issues at its latest local meeting, held in Earby.
An agenda for the committee stated: "Pharmacy provision in West Craven. It is reported that there is an acute problem with people being unable to get prescriptions
filled, with Whitworth chemists suffering a breakdown in service. Previously, Well chemists has suffered similar problems."
Speaking at the meeting, Lib-Dem Coun David Whipp said: "It's quite an appalling situation where people are queuing 30 minutes to get a prescription filled but when
they get to the counter they are told it's not ready. They have to go home and come back at 5pm. It's an ongoing problem.
"It includes insulin, which is critical for people with diabetes. I know several people who have failed to get insulin, It's a very serious problem."
He added: "I think the committee should contact the local integrated care service. I think they are responsible for primary care which includes pharmacies. We need
to find out what's happening and improve things in future. "