Spike in seizure of counterfeit trendy weight-loss drugs
CELEBRITY endorsement and social media influencers have led to a surge in demand for weight loss drugs which has in turn led to a surge in the supply of counterfeit drugs.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority revealed there was a spike in the seizure of counterfeit and illicit versions of the drugs – commonly known as Ozempic or Wegovy – last year.
In 2023, the HPRA detained 286 units of semaglutide (Ozempic), compared to just 32 the year before. In addition, 253 units of liraglutide, also used as a weight-loss treatment, were seized – a 187% increase on 2022. They were among nearly 900,000 counterfeit or illegal medicines were seized by authorities last year.
Such is the demand for Ozempic – nominally used to treat diabetes – that there is now a global shortage which has led many people to buy the drug through illegal channels online.
The injectable drugs’ effects have been widely endorsed on Tiktok and by public figures, such as Elon Musk, who purchase the medicine under its brand name Ozempic, Rybelsus or Wegovy.
The hashtag #Ozempic has been viewed more than one billion times on Tiktok and last year Twitter/X chief Musk credited Wegovy for his ‘fit, ripped & healthy’ look.
Gráinne Power, director of compliance with the HPRA, said: ‘The product we have in Ireland is Ozempic which is legally authorised for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
‘There is also another [drug] with the same active ingredient not yet available in Ireland called Wegovy.
‘We’re all aware of the hype around this product and its use in weight loss. We understand the challenges for people in getting it, but we’re seeing a small but increasing number of this product coming in through the illegitimate supply chain.’
Professor Donal O’Shea, HSE clinical lead for weight loss, said those who market semaglutide online are responsible for the shortage and demand.
He told the Irish Daily Mail: ‘This treatment, which is very effective, has been hijacked by social media and influencers which is one of the causes of the global shortage.
‘Just taking it for six or eight weeks at an expensive cost is not the answer.
‘Companies producing and marketing these products are very concerned because of the fact that treatments for obesity and diabetes now has street value,’ he said.
‘Treatment hijacked by social media’