What is Wegovy and Why is it Targeted by Counterfeiters?
The weight loss drug Wegovy has been getting a lot of publicity recently. But what is it?
Wegovy is a brand of semaglutide made by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk that's injected once a week for weight loss. Other semaglutide brands include Ozempic, licensed in the UK to treat type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Wegovy and belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1 inhibitors. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) is a hormone naturally found in the body. By mimicking this natural hormone, GLP-1 inhibitors like semaglutide (Wegovy) delay your stomach from emptying and make you feel fuller for longer. Semaglutide also helps improve blood sugar control.
As Wegovy's popularity has grown, there have been issues with the supply chain - Novo Nordisk has been unable to make enough of the medication to keep up with the soaring demand. This has led to a rise in illegal online sales of semaglutide, with many customers receiving fake Ozempic and Wegovy.
But, it's not just issues with the supply chain. A month's supply of Wegovy starts at just £145 and rises as the dose increases. So some individuals are turning to counterfeit drugs as they may be cheaper. Cheaper certainly doesn't mean better - illicit medicines are less likely to work and can even pose a risk to your health.
Identifying Authentic Wegovy: Key Features and Packaging
Legitimate Wegovy in the UK is supplied as a white pen, with a white lid and a different colour label depending on the dose. Each type of pen is set to one dose strength, so you should not be able to change the dose. The pen will come in a labelled box, with information about the medication, manufacturer name (Novo Nordisk), and a batch number included.
Wegovy that is supplied in an unsealed box, without a box, with a peeling label, or in non-official-looking packaging should raise suspicion that you have received counterfeit medicine. It's also very common to see spelling or grammar errors on the packaging.
Wegovy is the only type of semaglutide licensed for weight loss in the UK, and all Wegovy is produced by the manufacturer Novo Nordisk. Wegovy in the UK only exists as a pre-filled pen like that described above. If the Wegovy you receive has different manufacturer information, and comes in a device other than a pre-filled pen which looks genuine, it's potentially fake.
Where to Buy Wegovy Safely?
When you know what to look out for, it's easier to tell the difference between reputable online pharmacies and a dodgy online supplier.
Safe online pharmacies will always require a valid prescription for prescription medications like Wegovy. All UK pharmacies must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The requisite registration information must be prominently displayed and clear to verify for all website users.
Wegovy is a 'prescription-only medication' which means it must be prescribed specifically for you by a qualified prescriber and subsequently dispensed by a pharmacy. Sometimes this can be the same organisation; such as with Quick Meds, we are the prescribing and dispensing organisation.
If you are offered Wegovy via any means which does not include a consultation or a prescription, exercise caution as these may be counterfeit medicines. Obtaining medication outside of the legitimate supply chain such as via social media channels including Facebook and Instagram is illegal and should be avoided.
Be cautious of websites offering Wegovy at significantly lower prices, as this could be a red flag for dangerous counterfeit medicines. Try to avoid websites that have few reviews, that look suspicious or unofficial, or that offer medications without a prescription. Never buy medicines from social media.
If you're unsure of the website/source, you should be able to call them via landline number and speak to a real person; be cautious of websites advertising mobile numbers or where contact information is difficult to find.
The Role of Healthcare Providers in Ensuring Safe Access to Wegovy
Health authorities and individual healthcare professionals both have a responsibility to protect patients from fake medicines.
Individually, healthcare professionals need to make sure prescriptions are legitimate and that patients have received a consultation before being prescribed any weight loss drugs. During a consultation, a professional will check a patient's medical history thoroughly, including any other medications they take that may cause an issue. For instance, it may be unsafe for patients who are already prescribed diabetes medications to take Wegovy, as the drugs can interact.
Falsified prescriptions can be purchased online, but a pharmacy can check whether a prescription is legitimate. If in doubt, they will be able to phone the prescriber and double-check.
Legal and Health Consequences of Buying Counterfeit Wegovy
Falsified medicines don't go through any of the usual checks that prescription drugs do. A BBC investigation found that most of the fake Wegovy that they tested either contained a much lower dose of semaglutide, or none at all! With fake medication, you're less likely to achieve your desired weight loss results, as you're often not getting the correct dose.
If the medicine contains a higher dose than you think, you can end up taking too much Wegovy. You're more likely to experience side effects like abdominal pain, vomiting, and gallstones. This can affect your health and also means you won't want to keep taking the medication.
Whilst it's bad enough that counterfeit versions of Wegovy may not help you lose weight, they can also negatively affect your health. Illegal medication isn't tested for safety and can be dangerous - it can contain anything from laxatives to rat poison.
It's also illegal to buy drugs online without a prescription. You may face criminal charges.
Reporting Suspected Counterfeit Wegovy
If you believe you've received counterfeit Wegovy, it's important to report it to the right people. This helps regulatory authorities (like the MHRA) take action to prevent others from danger. They may want to investigate further and take legal action to shut down the supplier.
By reporting fake medicines, you're also helping to raise public awareness about the dangers of counterfeit drugs. This can help prevent others from being harmed by fake Wegovy.
Report suspected fake medicines via the yellow card scheme and report the online seller using the advice on this MHRA page. If you've taken the medication and you're worried, then contact your GP. Attend A&E if you're experiencing severe or worrying symptoms.
Staying Informed: Latest Updates and Resources
Counterfeit trends are constantly evolving, with counterfeiters adapting to new technologies and consumer behaviours. It's important to stay informed about these changes so you know what to look out for, and how to report any concerns.
The following resources can help keep you updated on how to spot a Wegovy fake:
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Example of a fake Ozempic pen
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The yellow card scheme for reporting fake medicines
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The European Medicines Agency information on Wegovy, including news updates
Conclusion: Ensuring Your Safety
If you can't get hold of Wegovy from your doctor, or it's expensive to buy from a legitimate pharmacy, it might be tempting to buy Wegovy illegally online. But counterfeit Wegovy may not be the right dose, or it may not contain Wegovy at all, putting your health at risk.
For your safety, always purchase Wegovy from trusted, certified, sources, like a local pharmacy or a reputable online pharmacy. It should only be prescribed after a consultation with a medical professional.
Quick Meds is a GPhC registered that supplies legitimate medicines of high quality. We only prescribe Wegovy after a thorough online consultation with one of our healthcare professionals. Wegovy is prescribed safely (where appropriate) and delivered securely to patients' doors.
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Always independently check the registration status of the pharmacy you are consulting with
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Never buy medication from social media
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Call the pharmacy and speak to a real person
If you want to lose weight safely, start your online consultation with Quick Meds here.