The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization on Thursday issued a health alert in response to the theft of multiple batches of Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk’s insulin and Wegovy injections, popular medication for weight loss.
According to the notice, the batches were stolen during transit from its Bhiwandi hub to various distribution routes. It also added that the stolen batches included insulin doses marketed as Ryzodeg FlexTouch and Fiasp (Penfill and FlexTouch) and three Wegovy doses (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg).
These batches were en route to locations such as Nagpur, Raipur, Cuttack and Kolkata. The theft is currently under police investigation.
The regulator in its health alert letter mentioned that these stolen drugs are rDNA injectables that require strict temperature control. Any mishandling or improper storage could affect product quality and endanger patient safety.
“The products under consideration are rDNA origin injectables which are required to be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius. 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 degrees Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius failing, which would impact the quality of the product and in turn impact the safety of the patients,” the health alert letter read.
In response, the regulator has instructed state drug controllers to closely monitor the distribution of these products and enforce action under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Healthcare providers have been urged to guide patients to report any adverse effects and ensure medicines are sourced only from authorised suppliers with valid documentation.
“To be careful and procure the above products from authorized sources only and with proper invoice,” the letter added.
It may be noted that while Novo Nordisk’s insulin brands are well-established in India, Wegovy, which is a popular medication for weight loss, was introduced in the Indian pharma market in the late June only.
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