### Risks of Counterfeit Weight Loss Drugs and Their Link to Hospitalizations Recent reports have highlighted the dangers associated with counterfeit weight loss drugs. Federal data shows that suspected counterfeits of a popular weight loss drug have been linked to the hospitalization of at least three people. These hospitalizations were connected to suspected counterfeit semaglutide drugs, which is the active ingredient in the diabetes drug Ozempic and its weight loss counterpart Wegovy. Both drugs are manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a Danish company, and have been in short supply. Semaglutide is used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and is also approved for weight loss. However, the rise in counterfeit versions of these drugs poses significant health risks. The U.S. government database that tracks harmful outcomes from medications has recorded 42 cases mentioning semaglutide counterfeits, with 28 of these cases classified as serious. The outcomes listed include severe health complications and even death. One of the three hospitalized cases specifically mentioned Ozempic. The FDA, Novo Nordisk, and other companies involved in the distribution of semaglutide medications are actively working to combat the issue of counterfeit drugs. For instance, a fake Ozempic pen was sold at a U.S. retail pharmacy last summer, and hundreds of fake Ozempic pens were seized in the United Kingdom in October. The FDA has stated that it investigates all reports of suspected counterfeit drugs to determine the public health risks and the appropriate regulatory response. The agency remains vigilant in protecting the U.S. drug supply from these threats. It is crucial for consumers to be aware of the potential dangers of counterfeit medications and to purchase drugs only from reputable sources.