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Key Points

India's drug regulator has issued an urgent alert about stolen Novo Nordisk medications. The theft occurred during transit from the company's Bhiwandi facility to eastern distribution centers. These injectable drugs require precise temperature control between 2-8°C to remain safe and effective. Both healthcare professionals and patients are advised to exercise extreme caution when handling these products.

Key Points: DCGI Alerts Doctors on Stolen Novo Nordisk Diabetes Weight Loss Drugs

  • Theft occurred during transit from Bhiwandi Hub to multiple eastern cities
  • Stolen products include diabetes and weight loss injectables like Wegovy
  • Drugs require strict 2-8°C storage to maintain safety and efficacy
  • DCGI advises doctors to carefully prescribe and monitor for adverse reactions
2 min read

DCGI alerts doctors, health professionals on theft of multiple drug products of Novo Nordisk

India's drug regulator warns about theft of Novo Nordisk injectables including Ozempic and Wegovy. Stolen drugs may be unsafe due to improper temperature storage.

"The quality of the products may be compromised if not handled in proper storage conditions - Drugs Controller General of India"

By Shalini Bhardwaj, New Delhi, August 22

India's drug regulator has alerted on the theft of multiple drug products of Novo Nordisk during transit.

According to the notice issued by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), Dr Rajeev Raghuvanshi, "Mis Novo Nordisk has informed about a theft of its products, as mentioned below, during transit from its Bhiwandi Hub to milk route (Nagpur, Raipur, Cuttack, and Kolkata)."

The DCGI has also mentioned in the notice that the quality of the injectables is required to be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius; if not handled properly, storage quality might be compromised.

"The products under consideration are rDNA origin injectables, which are required to be stored at 2-8 °C. The quality of the products may be compromised if the products are not handled in proper storage conditions, since the formulations are supposed to be maintained at 2 °C to 8 °C, failing which would impact the quality of the product and, in turn, impact the safety of the patients. The matter is currently under investigation by the Police," the DCGI said.

These products are of Batch NO. 1 Insulin degludec/ Insulin Aspart (r-DNA origin) solution for injection RT6GY9G (RyzodegM FlexTouch 2, Insulin aspart (-DNA Origin), solution for injection Fiaspe Penifill) RR726A8 3. Insulin aspart (r-DNA Origin), solution for injection (Fiasp@ FlexTouch@) RP5P640 4. Semaglutide Injection 0.5mg (r-DNA Origin), solution for injection RP5S233 (Wegovye FlexTouch@) 5. Semaglutide Injection 0.25 mg (r-DNA Origin), solution for injection RP5S232 (WegovyR FlexTouche) 6. Semaglutide Injection 1 mg (-DNA Origin), solution for injection RP5S210 (WegovyR FlexTouchR)

"Doctors and Healthcare professionals should carefully prescribe and educate patients to report any Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs). Patients and consumers are to be careful and procure the above products from authorised sources only and with a proper invoice," the DCGI stated.

The notice has been issued to the regulatory authorities of all state/UT Drugs Controllers and Zonal/Sub-Zonal offices of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My father uses Ryzodeg injections. This news is scary! We always buy from our trusted pharmacy but now I'll double check the storage conditions. Thank you DCGI for the alert.
M
Michael C
The cold chain management for these medicines is critical. If these stolen drugs aren't stored at 2-8°C, they become ineffective or even dangerous. Patients need to be extra careful about where they purchase from.
A
Anjali F
Why is there no better security for medicine transportation? These are expensive drugs and should have GPS tracking and proper security measures. The system needs improvement.
S
Siddharth J
Good that DCGI issued this alert promptly. Many people might unknowingly buy these from unauthorized sellers at lower prices. Always ask for proper bill and check batch numbers.
N
Nisha Z
These medicines cost thousands of rupees. The thieves probably want to sell them in black market. But they're playing with people's lives! Hope the investigation leads to quick recovery.

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