Pharmacy and Poisons Board warns of counterfeit diabetes drug in the market
Health & Science
By
Esther Nyambura
| Jul 18, 2024
Pharmacy and Poisons Board issues warning about counterfeit Ozempic Pens.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has warned the public against using Ozempic Pens, also known as Semaglutide.
In a statement on Thursday, July 18, PPB noted it has not authorised or registered any Ozempic Pens for use in the Kenyan market.
According to the Board, healthcare providers are prescribing Apidra Solostar Pens, which are intended for treating type 1 and 2 diabetes and relabelling them as Ozempic Pens.
"The Pharmacy and Poisons Board wishes to draw the attention of the public to an alert concerning the falsification of Ozempic Pens where Apidra Solostar Pens have been relabelled as Ozempic Pens," read the statement.
READ MORE
TVETs to get Sh49 million funding for tech training
Amsons' bid for Bamburi Cement gets Comesa approval
Co-op Bank third-quarter profit jumps to Sh19b on higher income
I am not about to retire, Equity's James Mwangi says
Report: Construction sector leads in mobile money use
Delayed projects leave Kenya's blue economy limping
Firms seek solutions in renewable energy to curb high cost of power
New KPCU plan to boost coffee drinking targets schools, youth
Middle East, Asian firms major attractions at the Construction Expo
Scientifically, Ozempic Pens are used to lower blood sugar levels by helping the pancreas produce more insulin. They are primarily used as a treatment for type 2 diabetes.
However, some individuals use them for weight loss, despite not being approved for this purpose.
The Board has expressed concern that using falsified Ozempic Pens could jeopardise public health and safety.
PPB urged Kenyans to exercise caution and avoid trading or administering these pens until proper surveillance of the product currently in the market is completed.