AUSTRIA, Oct 26, (Agencies): Austria has recently witnessed a concerning surge in hospitalizations of individuals suspected to have consumed counterfeit Ozempic. This alarming situation prompted the Austrian Federal Office for Safety in Healthcare (BASG) to issue a public warning on Monday.

The counterfeit Ozempic has been detected in several patients, resulting in severe side effects, including low blood sugar levels and seizures. BASG emphasized that the only legitimate means of acquiring Ozempic is through a doctor's prescription and from authorized public pharmacies and physicians responsible for in-house pharmacies.

Ozempic has gained significant popularity in the past year, with a multitude of individuals, including celebrities, embracing it as a weight loss solution. This prescription medication, approved by the FDA, primarily serves patients with type 2 diabetes due to its effectiveness.

However, the high demand for Ozempic, coupled with its steep retail cost ranging from $1,205 to $1,368 without insurance, has given rise to a counterfeit market.

The Austrian health safety regulator expressed concerns about the possible circulation of the affected batch of counterfeit Ozempic and its potential acquisition by physicians through illicit means. They urged patients who obtained Ozempic pre-filled pens from physicians not affiliated with in-house pharmacies to contact them immediately for verification.

It's important to note that the genuine Ozempic can also lead to side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and, in some cases, constipation or vomiting, as highlighted by Dr. Ania Jastreboff, PhD.

Several prominent celebrities, including Tracy Morgan, Chelsea Handler, Sharon Osbourne, Dolores Catania, and Lauren Manzo, have shared their experiences with Ozempic and similar medications, shedding light on the widespread use of these drugs.