Apr 5, 2024 at 4:48 AM#1
Pharmacist here. I need to put out an urgent warning. Over the past two weeks I've had THREE patients bring me Ozempic pens they purchased online that are confirmed counterfeits. These are not gray market or diverted — they are fake products in fake packaging.
Here's how to tell:
RED FLAGS on the fakes I've seen:
- Serial number on the box doesn't match the pen label
- The NoviFine needle cap is slightly different shade of orange
- Lot number format is wrong (fakes used format XX-XXXXX, real Novo Nordisk uses XXXXXXXAB)
- The dose selector clicks feel "mushy" — real pens have a crisp click
- Pen window shows liquid that's slightly more yellow than genuine (should be clear/colorless)
- QR code on box links to a dead page, not Novo Nordisk verification
One patient had an adverse reaction — injection site turned red, swollen, and hot within 2 hours. We don't know what's actually in these pens.
If you bought Ozempic online from anyone other than a licensed pharmacy, please verify your pen IMMEDIATELY.
18 13NeuroNate, JessicaH_TX, KevinCompounds and 15 others
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Apr 5, 2024 at 5:00 AM#2
Oh my god. I bought two Ozempic pens from a Facebook group last month. The price was $300 per pen which I thought was just a good deal because the seller said they were from a Canadian pharmacy.
I just checked and the lot number format matches what you described as fake. XXXXXXXXXXX with a dash in the middle. I feel sick right now. I've already used half of the first pen.
Last edited: Apr 5, 2024 at 11:00 AM
17 12RunnerRach, TrialNerd_Beth, HPLC_Greg and 14 others
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Apr 5, 2024 at 5:12 AM#3
STOP using it immediately. I'd recommend:
1. Take photos of the pen, box, and all labels/numbers
2. Call your doctor and let them know what happened
3. Monitor for any symptoms — pain, swelling, nausea beyond what's normal, fever
4. Report it to the FDA MedWatch: https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch
5. If you can, bring the unused portion to a pharmacy for visual inspection
I know it's scary but the fact that you've used half a pen without major issues is a reasonable sign. Still get checked out though.
16 11tommy_boulder, hyun_seoul, jim_asheville and 13 others
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View ResultsApr 5, 2024 at 5:24 AM#4
PINNED — MOD ALERT
This is critically important information. We are pinning this thread.
Reminder to all members: purchasing prescription medications like Ozempic from unverified online sellers, social media, or individuals is extremely risky and potentially illegal. Counterfeit medications can contain:
- No active ingredient
- Wrong active ingredient
- Contaminated ingredients
- Dangerous concentrations
If you need affordable access to GLP-1 medications, please see our pinned guide on legitimate patient assistance programs, compounding pharmacies, and manufacturer savings cards.
15 10SleepFixSam, PurityPaulOR, MaxMetOK and 12 others
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Apr 5, 2024 at 6:25 AM#5
I work in pharmaceutical supply chain security. What stefan_berlin is describing is part of a massive wave of counterfeit Ozempic that's been showing up globally since late 2025. The WHO issued an alert in October. The counterfeits are coming primarily from unlicensed facilities in Southeast Asia.
Some additional verification steps:
- Novo Nordisk has a verification portal: You can enter your pen's serial number at NovoPenCheck (check Novo Nordisk's official site for the correct link)
- pete_manc_UK of the pen: Genuine pens have a specific weight. Counterfeits are often slightly lighter
- The rubber stopper: On genuine pens it's dark gray. Some counterfeits use black or light gray
The WHO has confirmed that some seized counterfeits contained insulin in random concentrations. This is genuinely life-threatening for non-diabetic patients.
Last edited: Apr 5, 2024 at 8:25 AM
14 9Dr.PulmRoch, maya_sedona, stefan_berlin and 11 others
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