Counterfeit diabetes drugs have been in circulation since 2022 in a problem affecting all regions of the world, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned.

The health authority, in a statement, specifically referred to findings in Britain, the U.S., and Brazil since October 2023.

The drug concerns Ozempic, a medicine containing the active ingredient semaglutide, which was also approved in the EU for treating type 2 diabetes.

The counterfeit version looks identical to the real medicine.

Because the product also suppresses the appetite, it is increasingly being prescribed for weight loss.

But counterfeit drugs may not contain the right amount of active ingredients and could, therefore, lead to uncontrolled sugar in diabetics, the WHO said.

It added that they may contain other active ingredients that pose health risks.

The WHO called on doctors, pharmacists, regulatory authorities and the public to be vigilant.

The WHO said that people should only buy medicines on prescription from pharmacies and not online.

It added that users should ensure that the dosage scale on insulin pens is displayed correctly, the label looks correct, and the box has no spelling mistakes.

(dpa/NAN)