Counterfeit Rybelsus Semaglutide tablets detected

Consumers and health professionals should be aware that examples of counterfeit Rybelsus-labelled products have been stopped at the Australian border. These tablets may pose a serious risk to your health and should not be used. 

While these products appear to be genuine, the manufacturer Novo Nordisk has confirmed that the batch number on these counterfeit products - PS6LA8S - is not genuine. 

Consumers are advised that these counterfeit Rybelus tablets have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation for therapeutic goods. 

Consumers should be warned that manufacturers of counterfeit goods are producing products that, to the untrained eye, may appear legitimate, highlighting the need to purchase your medicines from legitimate sources.

We advise consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas websites.

Products purchased over the internet:

• may be fake
• may contain incorrect or undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients
• may not meet the same standards of quality, safety and efficacy as those approved by the TGA for supply in Australia.

For your safety, always buy medicines from reputable sources and consult your healthcare provider or local registered pharmacy if you have any concerns.

Counterfeit products cannot be imported under the Personal Importation Scheme. Knowingly importing, supplying and/or giving away counterfeit therapeutic goods is illegal and poses a significant public health and safety risk.

Information for consumers

• Stop using counterfeit Rybelsus semaglutide tablets with batch number PS6LA8S, and take any remaining product to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
• If you have purchased Rybelsus semaglutide tablets online, you should be aware that there are counterfeit products outside the lawful domestic supply chain.
• If you have any concerns arising from your use of this product, consult your health care practitioner.
• If you suspect you have had a side effect (also known as an adverse event) to this or a similar medicine, report it to the TGA.
  • If possible, keep the medicine as we may request it for testing.
• If you are considering purchasing medicines from overseas, watch this short video on the risks associated with buying medicines and medical devices online. 

Action we are taking

The TGA continues to check batch numbers of any products that may be subject to counterfeiting. 

We will notify ABF to seize and destroy any of these products intercepted at the border.

Report counterfeit medicines and medical devices

If you are worried about counterfeit medicines or medical devices, and want to report an issue, you can report the matter to the TGA.

If you have a medicine you suspect may be counterfeit, please do not dispose of it as we may request it for testing.