FDA Issues Warning to Novo Nordisk Over Misleading Ozempic Ad
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning letter to Novo Nordisk, instructing the company to cease running a consumer advertisement for its diabetes drug, Ozempic. The FDA determined the commercial contained false and misleading claims about the drug’s capabilities. This marks the second warning issued to the Danish drugmaker in less than a month regarding deceptive advertising practices.
Details of the Warning
The latest warning letter, dated February 26, 2026, specifically targets an advertisement for Ozempic, Novo Nordisk’s widely used diabetes injection. Previously, on February 5, 2026, the FDA issued a warning concerning a television advertisement for Wegovy, Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss medication.
As of today, Novo Nordisk has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these warnings.
Counterfeit Ozempic Concerns
Separately, the FDA has been addressing the presence of counterfeit Ozempic in the U.S. Drug supply chain. On November 18, 2025, Novo Nordisk alerted the FDA to the existence of counterfeit Ozempic 1mg injection. The FDA subsequently seized dozens of units distributed illegally outside of Novo Nordisk’s authorized distribution network.
The counterfeit product is labeled with lot number PAR1229, which is also an authentic lot number. Patients can identify the counterfeit pens by checking the location of the “EXP/LOT” text on the label. Counterfeit pens display this text to the left of the expiration date and lot number, while authentic Ozempic pens have the text above the expiration date and lot number.
Patients who received Ozempic injection 1mg with lot number PAR1229 through the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program can continue using the product, as it is confirmed to be authentic.
Recommendations for Patients and Healthcare Professionals
The FDA advises patients, wholesalers, retail pharmacies, and healthcare professionals to carefully inspect Ozempic products and avoid using or distributing any products exhibiting the counterfeit labeling characteristics. Pharmacies are urged to only purchase Ozempic through authorized Novo Nordisk distributors and to verify the legitimacy of shipments.
As of December 5, 2025, the FDA had received six adverse event reports associated with lot number PAR1229, but these were linked to authentic Ozempic and not the counterfeit product.
Ozempic Pill Coming Soon
In other Ozempic news, Novo Nordisk is set to introduce an oral formulation of semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic tablets, in the U.S. During the second quarter of 2026. The tablets will be available in 1.5 mg, 4 mg, and 9 mg dosages for adults with type 2 diabetes.
Reporting Adverse Reactions
Suspected adverse reactions related to Ozempic can be reported to Novo Nordisk at 1-888-693-6742 or to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or through the FDA’s MedWatch website: www.fda.gov/medwatch.