The Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board has warned of fake Ozempic Pens, used by diabetes patients circulating within the market following a warning from Interpol.
In a statement, the board explained that it received an alert from Interpol concerning pens, used to treat type 1 and 2 diabetes, that had been falsely labelled.
Further, the pharmacy and poisons board indicated that Ozempic Pens are not registered or authorized to be placed in the Kenyan market, therefore, products being marketed as Ozempic Pens is illegally in the market.
“An alert received from the INTERPOL concerning the falsification of Ozempic Pens (Semaglutide) where Apidra Solostar pens (glulisine) used to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes has been falsely relabeled as Ozempic (Semaglutide) Pens.
“Any product being marketed as Ozempic Pens is illegally in the market and the Board cannot ascertain their safety, quality and effectiveness,” the statement read in part.
Also Read: Govt Releases New List of 9,600 Approved Pharmacies; How to Check
How to Stay Safe Despite Fake Products- Interpol
Because of this the board has initiated a rapid response initiative to make sure that the falsified pens are not being circulated in the market.
“To safeguard public safety, the Board has initiated a rapid response and heightened surveillance to verify whether the falsified Ozempic (Semaglutide) Pens is presently circulating in the Kenyan market,”
In addition, Kenyans have been cautioned against purchasing, distributing or retailing the products. Also, medical practitioners have been warned against administering the pen to patients.
“The Board cautions the public and healthcare professionals AGAINST trading, distribution, wholesaling, retailing, issuing, dispensing,
“Use or administration to patients of the falsified Ozempic (Semaglutide) Pens, as such actions are illegal and jeopardize public health and safety,
“We encourage the public and healthcare professionals to immediately share any information regarding Ozempic pens with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board,” cautioned the board.
Also Read: Kenyans Warned of Fake Drugs with ‘Made in Germany’ Tag in Circulation
List of Registered Pharmacies
In April, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) of Kenya released a list of registered pharmaceutical outlets countrywide amid a crackdown to combat illegal pharmaceutical activities.
The publication came as the board began a nationwide operation targeting unregistered entities. Furthermore, the board announced that it had seized 200 cartons of assorted medicine from 400 premises in the operation.
According to the Board, the operation was initiated in response to 25 Presidential Directives, focusing on ensuring compliance with good distribution practices.
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