How to Spot Counterfeit Ozempic: FDA Lot Numbers and Checks
FDA has named three counterfeit Ozempic 1 mg lots since 2023: NAR0074, PAR0362, and PAR1229. The key check is the EXP/LOT text position on the pen label—above the date and lot is authentic, to the left means do not use it.
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Counterfeit Ozempic has been found inside the legitimate U.S. drug supply chain three times: FDA alerts dated December 21, 2023, April 14, 2025, and December 5, 2025 [1]. All three incidents involve Ozempic (semaglutide) injection 1 mg only [1][2][3]. In the April 2025 and December 2025 incidents, the counterfeit products were distributed illegally outside Novo Nordisk’s authorized supply chain before reaching the legitimate chain [1][3]; the 2023 alert states the counterfeit product was found in the legitimate U.S. drug supply chain [1].
To check your pen, compare the lot number and serial number against the three FDA-named lots, and check where the EXP/LOT text sits on the pen label. On an authentic pen, the EXP/LOT text sits above the expiration date and lot number. On the counterfeit lot PAR1229 pen, it sits to the left of them—and FDA says do not use any Ozempic pen where the EXP/LOT text appears on the left side [1][3][4]. Counterfeit drugs may contain the wrong ingredients, too little, too much or no active ingredient, or other harmful ingredients [5].
Which lot numbers has FDA named as counterfeit?
FDA has identified three counterfeit lots of Ozempic 1 mg. Each has a specific identifier beyond the lot number itself:
| Alert date | Lot number | Other identifier | Units seized |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 21, 2023 | NAR0074 | Serial number 430834149057 | Thousands [1] |
| April 14, 2025 | PAR0362 | Serial number starting with the first eight digits 51746517 | Several hundred [1][2] |
| December 5, 2025 | PAR1229 | EXP/LOT text to the left of the expiration date and lot number | Dozens [1][3][4] |
FDA is working with Novo Nordisk to identify, investigate and remove further suspected counterfeit Ozempic injectable products, and its investigation is ongoing [1].
Is a pen with lot PAR1229 automatically fake?
No. Lot number PAR1229 is also an authentic lot number, so the lot number alone does not indicate a counterfeit [1][3][4]. Novo Nordisk states the product is counterfeit only when lot PAR1229 is coupled with the misplaced EXP/LOT text—the counterfeit pen has that text on the left side of the expiration date and lot number, while the authentic pen has it above them [1][3].
FDA adds that patients who received Ozempic injection 1 mg with lot number PAR1229 through the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program may continue using the product, because it is authentic Ozempic [1][3].
FDA was notified by Novo Nordisk on Nov. 18, 2025, that counterfeit Ozempic injection 1 mg was in the legitimate U.S. drug supply chain [1]. Novo Nordisk issued its own company statement from Plainsboro, NJ, dated December 5, 2025 [3].
What about the April 2025 counterfeit, lot PAR0362?
Novo Nordisk notified FDA on April 3, 2025, that several hundred units of counterfeit Ozempic injection 1 mg were in the U.S. drug supply chain, and FDA seized the identified products on April 9, 2025 [1][2]. The counterfeit products were labeled with lot number PAR0362 and a serial number starting with the first eight digits 51746517 [1][2].
FDA was aware of six adverse event reports associated with this lot, none of which appear to be associated with the counterfeit product. All six were reported by Novo Nordisk [1][2]. At the time of the alert, FDA and Novo Nordisk were still testing the seized products and did not yet have information about their identity, quality or safety [1][2].
What did FDA find in the 2023 counterfeit, lot NAR0074?
The December 21, 2023 alert covered thousands of seized units labeled with lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057 [1]. Analysis found the needles from the samples were counterfeit, so their sterility could not be confirmed, which presents an increased risk of infection for patients who use the products [1][4]. Other confirmed counterfeit components included the pen label, the accompanying health care professional and patient information, and the carton [1].
FDA was aware of five adverse events from this lot, none serious, and consistent with known common reactions to authentic Ozempic: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation [1]. FDA also said at the time that some counterfeit product might still be available for purchase [1].
What is actually inside the seized counterfeit pens?
For the 2023 and 2025 seizures, FDA and Novo Nordisk did not yet have information about the drugs’ identity, quality or safety, and testing was underway [1][4]. For the December 2025 seizure, Novo Nordisk said visual examination shows counterfeit features but the product composition has not been conclusively determined, with chemical testing planned—and that unconfirmed contents may present a safety risk to patients who use it [3].
How do I check a new Ozempic box step by step?
FDA and Novo Nordisk advise patients to check the product before using it for any signs of counterfeiting [1][3]. A practical sequence:
- Find the lot number on the box and pen and compare it against NAR0074, PAR0362 and PAR1229 [1][3].
- Check the EXP/LOT text position on the pen label: above the expiration date and lot number is authentic; on the left side means do not use it [1][3].
- Check the serial number against 430834149057 and against the prefix 51746517 [1][2].
- Compare the product with what you previously received, and look for packaging that is broken or damaged, missing instructions for use, or spelling errors on the label [5].
- Do not use any injectable GLP-1 that arrived warm or with insufficient refrigeration, since that can affect the drug’s quality [5].
If you are unsure, pharmacists and patients can call Novo Nordisk customer care at 1-800-727-6500, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET [1][3].
What red flags should I watch for when buying online or through telehealth?
FDA lists these warning signs for telehealth and online sellers [5]:
- Deep discounts or prices that seem too good to be true.
- Medicine that looks different from what you previously received or from what was pictured, or that arrives in broken or damaged packaging or lacks instructions for use.
- No screening and prescription by a licensed doctor before providing medicine, and no licensed doctor available to answer questions after you receive it.
- Spelling errors on the label, an incorrect pharmacy address, or a pharmacy name that may be fraudulent.
FDA is also aware of fraudulent compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide marketed in the U.S. with false label information. In some cases the compounding pharmacies named on the labels do not exist; in others, the labels carry the name of a licensed pharmacy that did not compound the products [5].
Where does unapproved and counterfeit semaglutide come from?
FDA issues internet pharmacy warning letters to stop the distribution of illegally marketed semaglutide and tirzepatide, which may be counterfeit, contain the wrong or harmful ingredients, or contain too little, too much or no active ingredient at all [5]. FDA has also warned companies selling unapproved drugs containing semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide, survodutide or mazdutide falsely labeled “for research purposes” or “not for human consumption,” sold directly to consumers with dosing instructions [5].
Research peptide companies sell unlicensed semaglutide and tirzepatide direct to consumers through that research-use legal loophole, and many sites only require a checkbox, according to BioSpace [7]. C. Michael White of the UConn School of Pharmacy told BioSpace that studies found such off-brand products to be of lower-than-expected purity, and some tested samples contained endotoxins, indicating microbial contamination [7].
The salt forms semaglutide sodium and semaglutide acetate are different active ingredients from the approved drug, and FDA is not aware of any lawful basis for their use in compounding [5]. FDA has also set up a green list import alert (66-80) to stop GLP-1 active pharmaceutical ingredients with potential quality concerns from entering the U.S. supply chain; it does not apply to compliant manufacturers and does not limit legal compounding [5].
Demand drives this shadow market: Lilly’s and Novo Nordisk’s weight loss products brought in a combined $12.9 billion in 2024, according to BioSpace [7]. FDA removed semaglutide and tirzepatide drugs from the shortage list in October 2024 [7].
How can I buy so a counterfeit is unlikely?
FDA says patients should obtain Ozempic only with a valid prescription through state-licensed pharmacies and check the product before using it [1][2][3][5]. Novo Nordisk believes the risk of receiving counterfeit medicine is minimized when a prescription is filled by a legitimate retailer that uses its authorized distributors [3]. FDA urges retail pharmacies to purchase only through authorized distributors of Novo Nordisk and to review photographs and information to confirm the legitimacy of their shipments [1][2][3].
FDA’s BeSafeRx campaign offers resources for safely buying prescription medicines online, including how to locate a state-licensed online pharmacy [5].
For Wegovy (not Ozempic), Novo Nordisk runs NovoCare Pharmacy, a manufacturer self-pay channel with free home delivery and a required prescription. New patients pay $199 per month for the first two monthly fills of Wegovy 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg through December 31, 2026; after that, Wegovy injection 0.25 to 2.4 mg is $349 per month, and Wegovy HD 7.2 mg is $399 per month. Wegovy pills run $149, $199 or $299 per month depending on dose. Novo Nordisk reserves the right to modify or cancel the program at any time [6]. Order help is available at 1-888-809-3942, with dispensing partners CenterWell Pharmacy and CoAssist Pharmacy [6].
What do I do if I have a suspected counterfeit pen?
Do not use, distribute or sell any product matching the counterfeit identifiers above [1][2][3]. Then report it:
- Call Novo Nordisk customer care at 1-800-727-6500, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET [1][3].
- Report the suspected counterfeit to FDA through your local FDA consumer complaint coordinator or FDA’s Report Suspected Criminal Activity page (Office of Criminal Investigations) [1][3].
- Report websites or sellers offering counterfeit or tampered medicines to FDA [1][3].
Report side effects to FDA’s MedWatch program: online through the MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form, or by downloading the form and faxing it to 1-800-FDA-0178; you can also call 1-800-FDA-1088 or request a form at 1-800-332-1088 [1][2][3]. Novo Nordisk asks that side effects also be reported to it at the same customer care number, 1-800-727-6500 [3]. For general drug questions, FDA’s CDER Division of Drug Information can be reached at druginfo@fda.hhs.gov or 855-543-3784 [5].
Are compounded GLP-1s a separate risk from counterfeits?
Yes. Compounded drugs are not FDA approved and are not reviewed for safety, effectiveness or quality before they are marketed. FDA says compounded drugs should only be used for patients whose medical needs cannot be met by an FDA-approved drug [5].
As of May 31, 2026, FDA had received 990 adverse event reports associated with compounded semaglutide and more than 730 associated with compounded tirzepatide—figures that likely understate the total, since state-licensed pharmacies that are not outsourcing facilities are not required to submit adverse events to FDA [5]. FDA has received multiple reports of adverse events, some requiring hospitalization, that may be related to dosing errors with compounded injectable semaglutide [5]. Retatrutide and cagrilintide cannot legally be used in compounding under federal law [5].
Sources
- US Food and Drug Administration. FDA warns consumers not to use counterfeit Ozempic (semaglutide) found in U.S. drug supply chain.
- FDA MedWatch. FDA warns consumers not to use counterfeit Ozempic (semaglutide) found in U.S. drug supply chain. April 14, 2025.
- Novo Nordisk. Company statement: Novo Nordisk warns consumers about counterfeit Ozempic (semaglutide) injection 1 mg in the US. December 5, 2025.
- Partnership for Safe Medicines. FDA Alert: More Counterfeit Ozempic found in U.S. Supply Chain. December 5, 2025.
- US Food and Drug Administration. FDA’s Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss.
- NovoCare. Wegovy (semaglutide) online pharmacy offer.
- BioSpace. Explainer: The Thriving Shadow Market of GLP-1s for Weight Loss. February 11, 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pen with lot PAR1229 automatically fake?
No. Lot PAR1229 is also an authentic lot number, so the lot number alone does not mean counterfeit. The product is counterfeit only when lot PAR1229 is paired with the EXP/LOT text on the left side of the expiration date and lot number, instead of above them.
Is Ozempic from the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program affected?
No. FDA states that patients who received Ozempic injection 1 mg with lot number PAR1229 through the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program may continue using the product, because it is authentic Ozempic.
Has counterfeit Wegovy been found in the U.S. supply chain?
The FDA alerts in the sources cover counterfeit Ozempic injection 1 mg only. No counterfeit Wegovy finding in the U.S. drug supply chain has been published in these sources, so it cannot be confirmed here.
Did the counterfeit lots affect Ozempic doses other than 1 mg?
No. All three incidents—the 2023, April 2025 and December 2025 alerts—involve counterfeit Ozempic (semaglutide) injection 1 mg only. No counterfeit finding for other Ozempic doses has been published in these sources.
What did FDA find inside the counterfeit pens?
For the 2023 seizure, analysis confirmed counterfeit needles, pen label, patient information and carton, and sterility of the needles could not be confirmed. For the 2025 seizures, testing is underway and the identity, quality, sterility and safety of the products have not been determined.
Has anyone been harmed by the counterfeits so far?
FDA is aware of five adverse events from lot NAR0074, none serious and consistent with known Ozempic reactions. For lots PAR0362 and PAR1229, FDA is aware of six reports each, all reported by Novo Nordisk, and none appear linked to the counterfeit product; the PAR1229 reports are associated with authentic Ozempic.
Who can I call to verify whether my Ozempic pen is real?
Call Novo Nordisk customer care at 1-800-727-6500, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, for help determining whether a Novo Nordisk product is counterfeit. FDA's CDER Division of Drug Information can also be reached at 855-543-3784.
How do I report a counterfeit pen or a side effect?
Report suspected counterfeits to Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500 and to FDA via your local consumer complaint coordinator or the Report Suspected Criminal Activity page. Report side effects to FDA MedWatch online, by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, or by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088.
This article summarizes FDA labeling, published research and company information current as of September 14, 2026. It is not medical advice and does not replace a conversation with your own healthcare provider. How we research and verify.