The Medicines Safety Agency warns of the misuse by influencers of the antidiabetic Ozempic as an appetite suppressant

The National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) alerted Wednesday March 1 to the misuse of Ozempic, a drug prescribed against diabetes, but which is touted as an appetite suppressant by influencers on the TikTok social network. The ANSM fears that by diverting this drug, false patients will create a shortage and deprive diabetics of it.

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Ozempic is indicated in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Available only on prescription, it has benefited around 215,000 patients in a year and a half, according to the ANSM, which is based on data from the national health data system for the period from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. Of these patients, 2,185 Ozempic recipients can be considered non-diabetic.

A dangerous drug if taken long term to lose weight

Very popular among influencers, this drug has become a fashion phenomenon on TikTok. The keyword #Ozempic peaked on the social network at more than 500 million views on February 24, according to AFP. With one injection in the belly per week, Ozempic has appetite suppressant properties allowing spectacular weight loss. But taken long-term to lose weight, it can be dangerous. Doctor Isabelle Yoldjian of the Medicines Safety Agency points out “risks of biliary or pancreatic diseases, thyroid cancer”.

While the diversions of Ozempic seem limited, they could deprive real diabetic patients of the drug by causing, or accentuating, supply tensions. The ANSM therefore reminds doctors that Ozempic should only be prescribed to diabetic patients. The agency asks pharmacists to report all suspicious prescriptions, including those from a teleconsultation platform or application, and invites them to refuse delivery of the drug in case of doubt.