The drug has become increasingly popular in this country after being endorsed by celebrities as a weight loss ‘wonder cure.’
A GP can prescribe Ozempicit for people with diabetes and also obesity, according to the HSE.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) revealed that 656 units of fake Ozempic were seized in Ireland within the first five months of 2024.
Only 254 units were seized in Ireland for all of the previous twelve months.
The Irish public has been warned not to purchase Ozempic from unknown sources, especially online.
Trinity Professor Luke O’Neill said fake Ozempic could be “lethal” as people “don’t know” what they are purchasing.
“These are people making, not snake oil, but kind of a tube that hasn’t got Ozempic in it, it’s got something else and they are calling it Ozempic,” he told Newstalk.
“You don’t know what you’re getting.”
Mr O’Neill said because Ozempic comes in syringe form, scammers can literally put anything inside the objects.
“All they have to do is mimic the delivery system – the tube – and they can put anything in it.
“The question is, what is in these things? They’re on sale now and especially if you buy it online, you don’t know.
“That’s the warning here. You could be getting some awful thing in a tube but it’s not Ozempic and people are being fooled now and this scamming is getting more and more common.”
A study by Diabetes Strong, found that ‘how to get ozempic?’ is one the most Googled question about the drug.
The group blamed social media for the rise of the substance being abused.
“Despite the drug being extremely popular on social media because of many influencers and celebrities using it for weight loss, it is important to underline how the medication is studied and made for people with type 2 diabetes,” they stated.
“It is not FDA-approved for weight loss or chronic weight management.
“Ozempic and other medications containing semaglutide should not be taken lightly.
“They present a series of side effects that can be severe and cause discomfort.”
