- Former Big Brother UK star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace said she “thought she was going to die” after taking suspected fake Ozempic.
- Horgan-Wallace said she experienced severe vomiting, diarrhea, and blurred vision.
- Experts say counterfeit versions of Ozempic are a growing concern.
- Accessing Ozempic with a prescription and using only licensed pharmacies can help safeguard against fakes.
Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace said she “nearly died” after taking suspected fake Ozempic.
The Big Brother UK alum, who appeared in season 7, revealed to Closer Magazine that she purchased Ozempic on the black market after gaining 28 pounds.
The GLP-1 medication, used to treat type 2 diabetes, has gained immense popularity as a weight loss aid in recent years. To meet the growing demand, many counterfeit and compounded versions of Ozempic have since hit the market.
Speaking about her experience, Horgan-Wallace said, “I’m not proud, but I bought Ozempic injections from the black market,” she said in the interview.
“I must have had a dodgy batch because my body reacted so badly. For three days, I thought I was going to die.”
The former reality star shared the details of her adverse reaction, which included spending a lot of time in bed sleeping, then waking up, vomiting, and experiencing diarrhea before falling asleep again.
“At one point, I had three bags of vomit by my bedside. Frighteningly, I started losing my vision, my eyes were going blurry, and I couldn’t even see my phone. I had no idea what was going to happen to me,” she recalled.
Widespread use of fake Ozempic
In June 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning about counterfeit versions of Ozempic being sold online.
The warning came after increasing reports of counterfeit doses in the United States, United Kingdom, and Brazil.
In a press release, Yukiko Nakatani, MD, WHO assistant director-general for Access to Medicines and Health Products, said: “WHO advises healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the public be aware of these falsified batches of medicines.
“We call on stakeholders to stop any usage of suspicious medicines and report to relevant authorities.”
Hussain Ahmad, MD, consultant practitioner at Click2Pharmacy, told Healthline that counterfeit versions of Ozempic are a growing problem.
“When demand for drugs like Ozempic spikes because of trends and shortages — like we saw in 2023 when there was a shortage for diabetic patients — it gives counterfeiters an opportunity to exploit people’s desperation,” he explained.
The high cost of Ozempic is another reason many people opt for counterfeits. Without insurance, a carton of Ozempic can cost around $1,000 at most U.S. pharmacies.
Maria Teresa Anton, MD, an endocrinologist and educator at Pritikin Longevity Center, said some people turn to these compounded formulations because of their lower cost.
“Compounded formulations are not FDA approved and have not been verified for safety or efficacy,” she told Healthline.
Health risks of counterfeit Ozempic
No drug is without risk. However, counterfeit medications are of particular concern because they are unregulated. This means you can’t be sure what’s actually in them.
“They may contain the wrong active ingredients, none at all, or harmful substances,” Ahmad noted.
“Using counterfeit Ozempic or semaglutide injections could lead to side effects ranging from allergic reactions to severe complications like organ damage. You’re also risking an underlying condition, like diabetes, being poorly managed,” he said.
Counterfeit versions of medications like Ozempic can contain harmful ingredients and contaminants that can be very harmful to the body.
“These counterfeits may include incorrect active ingredients and toxic substances such as antifreeze or arsenic, and non-sterile components, which can cause severe health issues including organ damage, infections, and even death,” Anton explained.
Ahmed noted that while cheaper, counterfeit Ozempic can include unapproved ingredients and may contain toxins, heavy metals, or bacteria. He cautioned that since Ozempic affects blood sugar and insulin levels, an improperly made product could impact how well blood sugar is controlled, leading to dangerous situations.
How to spot Ozempic fakes
With medication shortages and high costs, some people might seek Ozempic alternatives.
Similarly, with so many counterfeits out there, it can be difficult to ensure you’re getting the real thing.
If you’re purchasing Ozempic online, it’s important to know which red flags to look out for.
If you’re buying from an online pharmacy, the first thing you should do is check that it is registered with a regulatory body like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. or the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the U.K.
Another factor to consider is the price. Ahmed said if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. When the price of the product appears significantly cheaper than that of other pharmacies, he warned that it could be counterfeit.
If you’re able to obtain the drugs without a prescription, that’s another red flag.
“Legitimate sellers will always require a prescription for weight loss injections, and the prescriber should thoroughly check that you meet the requirements,” Ahmed said.
How to find safe Ozempic
To get Ozempic safely, Anton said you should only buy from licensed pharmacies by checking the pharmaceutical register in your country or state.
“You can also ask if a licensed pharmacist is available,” she added.
The safest way to get Ozempic is through your healthcare professional. “If you’re having trouble accessing Ozempic for diabetes treatment, speak to your physician or pharmacist first,” Ahmed advised.
“They can help explore alternatives, including other approved medications in the same class, like Wegovy. It’s important not to attempt self-sourcing or switch treatments without professional advice.”
Learn more about how to get GLP-1 medications like Zepbound and Mounjaro from vetted and trusted online sources here:
Takeaway
Big Brother UK star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace said she “thought she was going to die” after taking fake Ozempic.
Counterfeit versions of Ozempic are a growing concern, and taking an unregulated drug carries significant health risks. Horgan-Wallace’s experience shows that the risks far outweigh the benefits.
“Your safety should never be compromised, no matter how frustrating shortages or costs may be. Counterfeit medications are not only ineffective but can have devastating health consequences,” Ahmed said.
Big Brother UK’s Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace Says She ‘Nearly Died’ From Fake Ozempic
Source: Pinoy Lang Sakalam
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