The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has cautioned the public of falsification of diabetes treatment, asking them to be vigilant and report anyone selling suspicious medicine.
PPB Chief Executive Officer Dr. Fred Siyoi said that they received an alert from Interpol concerning the falsification of Ozempic Pens (Semaglutide), where Apidra Solostar pens (glulisine) used to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have been falsely relabelled as Ozempic (Semaglutide) Pens.
“Consequently, the Board would like to inform the public that Ozempic Pens are currently not registered or authorised by the Board to be placed in the Kenyan market. Therefore, any product being marketed as Ozempic Pens is illegally on the market, and the Board cannot ascertain their safety, quality, and effectiveness,” explained Dr. Siyoi.
To safeguard public safety, Dr. Siyoi said that the Board has initiated a rapid response and heightened surveillance to verify whether the falsified Ozempic (Semaglutide) pens are presently circulating in the Kenyan market.
“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 jeopardise public health and safety,” said the CEO.
He called on members of the public and healthcare professionals to immediately share any information regarding Ozempic pens with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
“The Board remains committed to protecting the health of the public and encourages the public to remain vigilant at all times and promptly report any suspected cases of substandard/falsified health products or adverse drug reactions,” said Dr. Siyoi.
He highlighted that the reports may be made to the nearest healthcare facility or the Pharmacy and Poisons Board through their website https://pv.pharmacyboardkenya.org/users/mpublic; mobile application: mPVERS, USSD code *271#, email: pms@ppb.go.ke or Tel No. 0795743049.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
