Taiwan warns of sentence of up to 10 years for import of fake drug pens

Taipei, Dec. 24 (CNA) Anyone caught bringing fake Ozempic injection pens into Taiwan could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years with a possible fine of up to NT$100 million (US$3.21 million), the country's Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) warned Sunday after its counterpart in the United States disclosed last week that had seized thousands of the counterfeit diabetes injections.

Last Thursday, the U.S. FDA said the fake Ozempic pens it had seized were being tested by the drug maker Novo Nordisk and the national medicine regulator, but more might be circulating on the market.

The U.S.' seizure of the fake drug pens followed reports in the European Union and the United Kingdom last month of counterfeit units of the drug being found.

An Ozempic pen is a device that is pre-filled with the drug semaglutide, which can be used for easy self-injection to help with weight loss in specific patients, to lower blood sugar levels, and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke in patients with type two diabetes.

In response to CNA questions about the fake Ozempic injection pens, the Taiwan FDA said it had stepped up inspections of imported packages, in collaboration with Customs officers, and was monitoring illegal drug sales and online purchasing activities.

Anyone found to be manufacturing or importing counterfeit or prohibited drugs into Taiwan may be subject to a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a potential maximum fine of NT$100 million, the TFDA said, citing Article 82 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act.

In addition, the maximum penalty for knowingly selling counterfeit or prohibited drugs, or displaying them with an intent to sell, is seven years in prison and a possible fine of NT$50 million, the TFDA said.

It warned the public not to purchase online products from unknown sources, items with unclear labels, or products with exaggerated or misleading claims related to medical efficacy.

The TFDA said it had granted a license for the importation of Ozempic, and the label of the product should show the name in Chinese and the drug license number.

The counterfeit drugs seized in the United States would not have that type of labeling and would not be Taiwan-approved products, the TFDA said.

People in Taiwan should avoid buying those types of drugs online, from foreign countries, or from other distributors, as their safety and efficacy cannot be confirmed in those circumstances, the TFDA said.

The TFDA has approved the use of four types of injection pens -- Ozempic, Trulicity, Saxenda and Victoza, which are all prescription drugs.