Concerns have arisen over the safety of compounded versions of the weight-loss drug semaglutide (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy), following reports linking them to at least ten deaths and 100 hospitalizations in the US. The data, provided by the manufacturer Novo Nordisk and citing the FDA, highlights adverse reactions to these off-brand versions since 2023. The FDA has not verified the reports, and the company’s CEO expressed concern about the lack of oversight in the production of these compounded drugs. These versions are often obtained from online sources, raising further safety risks. Novo Nordisk also emphasised that semaglutide’s complex formulation makes it difficult for compounding pharmacies to replicate safely.
What steps do you think should be taken to ensure the safety of compounded drugs, especially those used for weight loss?