Novo Nordisk Warns: "Medicine Cannot Be Faked"

Novo Nordisk Turkey has warned of the risks posed by counterfeit versions of injection pens used in diabetes and obesity treatment.

Istanbul, Turkey, 5 November 2024 – Novo Nordisk, the Denmark-based global healthcare company that has led the health sector for over 100 years and has been present in Turkey for 30 years improving patients' lives, warned the public about the risks posed by counterfeit medicines, which have shown particular growth in the country recently. At a meeting hosted by Dr. Ömer Buğra Bahadır, Senior Clinical, Medical and Regulatory Director at Novo Nordisk Turkey, and attended by Prof. Dr. Zeynep Oşar Siva, Deputy Chairman of the Turkish Diabetes Society, current data on counterfeit medicines was presented and attention was drawn to the dangers posed to patients by medicines obtained outside pharmacies.

"Over 1 million people die annually from counterfeit medicines worldwide"

Noting that counterfeit medicine is a growing problem globally, Dr. Ömer Buğra Bahadır stated: "Today, the global counterfeit medicine market is estimated to be worth USD 200 billion to USD 432 billion annually. This is a larger figure than the annual economy of approximately 150 countries. These figures also mean that in low and middle-income countries, an estimated 1 in 10 medicines is substandard or counterfeit. It is estimated that over 1 million people die annually worldwide due to the use of counterfeit medicines."

"There is a significant increase in counterfeit versions of injection pens used in diabetes and obesity treatment"

Noting that according to data from the Pharmaceutical Security Institute, the Eurasian Region, which includes Turkey, ranks 5th among regions with the highest illicit medicine activities in the world, Dr. Ömer Buğra Bahadır stated: "In line with the global upward trend, we have recently observed a notable increase in counterfeit versions of injection pens used in diabetes and obesity treatment in our country. In recent months, the World Health Organization also issued a statement on this matter, warning healthcare professionals, regulatory and supervisory bodies and the public to be aware of these counterfeit medicines. We need to raise awareness about using medicines under physician supervision as protection against the danger of counterfeit products. For Novo Nordisk, from the day we were founded until today, patients and patient safety have been our highest priority. After more than a century, we remain committed to continuing to pioneer breakthrough scientific advances in our therapeutic areas to improve patients' lives, and in doing so, we will not compromise on patient safety. With this approach, we continue to combat counterfeit medicines, which threaten patient safety and are among the oldest crimes in human history, at global and national levels."

"'Medicines Have No Counterfeits' – we emphasise the 'vital' importance of using medicines under physician supervision and obtaining them from pharmacies"

Dr. Ömer Buğra Bahadır continued: "We are conducting awareness activities for both healthcare professionals and patients against the counterfeit medicine threat that endangers patient safety. Recently, we launched a social media campaign under the slogan 'Medicines Have No Counterfeits' aimed at raising awareness about the risks of using counterfeit medicines. The safest way to protect yourself from counterfeit products is to proceed under physician supervision. Through the 'Medicines Have No Counterfeits' campaign, we wanted to remind people of the truly 'vital' importance of not trusting those who sell medicines from websites, hand-to-hand and via social media, and ensuring that medicines are obtained only from pharmacies. We believe that this campaign will draw public attention and create important awareness for patient safety. On the other hand, we investigate every counterfeit case we are informed of in accordance with applicable legislation and report it to the competent local authorities. We also conduct physical investigations to support our efforts. We are not alone in this struggle. In Turkey, we are in close dialogue and cooperation with health authorities, pharmacies and healthcare professionals who place as much importance on this issue as we do. Our government also takes the issue of counterfeit medicines extremely seriously and fights it with all its might. Counterfeit medicine activities are increasing, but the fight against them is strengthening proportionally. All law enforcement forces are mobilizing to conduct counterfeit medicine operations and show no leniency towards these criminals."

"There is great interest in weight loss in Turkey because 1 in 3 adults is obese or overweight"

Noting that there is significant demand for obesity and weight loss treatments in Turkey as well as around the world, Prof. Dr. Zeynep Oşar Siva, Deputy Chairman of the Turkish Diabetes Society, emphasised that this is due to obesity increasingly affecting more people: "Today we know that globally more than 2 billion adults are overweight and more than 800 million are obese. Approximately 40% of individuals over 18 years of age are overweight and 13% struggle with obesity. Even more importantly, obesity is increasingly affecting children at a rapid pace. The overweight rate in the 5-19 age group today is approaching 20%. If necessary precautions are not taken urgently, the number of obese people in the world is estimated to double by 2030, exceeding 1 billion, with one in two people experiencing weight problems. The situation in our country is equally concerning. In Turkey, 1 in 3 adults is obese and 1 is overweight. And unfortunately, according to these figures, we rank first in the European rankings. According to the World Health Organization report, Turkey is among the countries with the fastest-growing obesity. While the same report predicts that the global obesity rate will reach 70% by 2060, it says that the obesity rate in Turkey could reach 94%."

"Counterfeit medicines carry life-threatening health risks"

Noting that the recent increase in the use of injection pens sold outside pharmacies without physician supervision in obesity treatment stems from this, Prof. Dr. Zeynep Oşar Siva stated: "We encounter counterfeits in these medicines, which are obtained without prescription, primarily from the internet. Unregulated counterfeit medicines produced for weight loss can contain toxic chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria-contaminated compounds, some active substances such as sibutramine, thyroid hormone, iodine, and toxic and harmful doses of stimulants such as ephedrine and amphetamine. Counterfeit medicines carry health risks across a broad spectrum, ranging from mild side effects to life-threatening conditions. The number of cases I have seen develop hyperthyroidism due to using medicines containing excess iodine or thyroid hormone is far from negligible. 

The increase in the number of my obese patients presenting with palpitations, high blood pressure, hand tremors, sweating and excessive nervousness due to excess thyroid hormone illustrates the seriousness of the counterfeit medicine situation." Oşar Siva noted that some counterfeit medicines contain insulin instead of the correct active ingredient, causing severe hypoglycaemia, and continued: "For example, in recent months, a patient using a counterfeit injection pen was admitted to the emergency department with life-threatening hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) because the pen contained insulin. The patient survived thanks to emergency intervention, but could have died if rapid and correct intervention had not occurred. To prevent this risk, it is extremely important that medicines are obtained under physician supervision and from pharmacies."