TL;DR
- Genuine Saxenda® pens are easily recognisable by their distinct and specific features, including their packaging, dosage markings, and color.
- Generics of weight loss pens do not exist, so if you purchase a ‘generic’ at a much cheaper price, it is likely a counterfeit.
Table Of Contents
It’s always been commonplace for Singaporeans to purchase cheaper medications or generics when travelling to places like Malaysia or Thailand.
A popular cheap buy in 2024 was weight loss pens like Saxenda® and Ozempic®. However, a global alert issued by the WHO regarding fake “skinny jab” pens has raised serious concerns. Not only are counterfeit weight loss medication pens ineffective but they can also lead to numerous serious health risks.
This guide will explain how to identify authentic Saxenda® and Ozempic® pens, what steps to take if you suspect you’ve bought a counterfeit, and why it is impossible to get weight loss pens below the standard market price.
How to Tell Between a Real vs Fake Weight Loss Pen

Identifying a fake can be challenging if you’ve never seen a real Saxenda® or Ozempic® pen.
However, there are several telltale signs to look out for:
Saxenda®:
- Dosage Form: Real Saxenda® pens are multi-dose injection pens. If the medication comes in a vial or syringe, it’s fake.
- Dose Selector: On genuine Saxenda® pens, the dose selector does not extend. You can only select doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, or 3 mg. Fake pens may allow you to choose doses of up to “80”, making them similar to insulin pens.
- Pen Colour and Label: Genuine Saxenda® pens are light blue with purple accents. Counterfeit pens may differ in colour or have labels with misspellings or missing information.
- Label Information: Genuine Saxenda® pens should include:
- “Saxenda® (liraglutide) injection”
- Lot number and expiration date
- Dosage instructions, such as “Discard pen 30 days after first use. Each prefilled pen contains 18 mg/3 mL (6 mg/mL).”

Ozempic®:
- Dose Scale: Real Ozempic® pens have fixed-dose options (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg). As with Saxenda®, fake pens may have a scale from 0 to 80 units that extends when setting the dose.
- Labelling: Authentic Ozempic® pens will not extend when selecting a dose and will have clear, professionally printed labels.
- Packaging: Look for the National Drug Code (NDC) on the carton and pen.
Also Read: Treating Obesity With Weight Loss Injections
Beware: Generic Versions of Saxenda® Do Not Exist
It is essential to note that medications like Saxenda® and Ozempic® do not have generic versions—Patent protections and rigorous regulatory approvals ensure that legitimate generic alternatives are unavailable.
For those unfamiliar with generics, a generic drug is a medication that is equivalent to a brand-name drug in terms of dosage, safety and effectiveness. An example is Panadol(actual) and paracetamol (generic).
Producing and marketing a generic equivalent of Saxenda® or Ozempic® requires extensive testing and health authority approval, so be wary of products marketed as “generic Saxenda®” or “generic Ozempic®”, as they are most likely unregulated and potentially dangerous.
- According to the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), 369 potentially fake Ozempic® pens have been seized since January 2023.
- In Dec 2024, The Straits Times reported a spate of illegal ads for prescription-only medicines, such as Saxenda® and GLP-1 pens, infiltrating Facebook and Instagram; MOH is taking action to prohibit these breaches.
- In the U.S., a 39-year-old woman suffered severe hypoglycemia and was rushed to the emergency room after taking what she thought was Ozempic®. Many counterfeit products worldwide were found to contain insulin instead of the intended active ingredient, semaglutide. An insulin surge can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar and lead to dizziness, seizures and even death.
Purchasing medications online without a prescription poses a direct risk to your health, and with counterfeit products, there’s no guarantee that the ingredients match those listed on the label.
Always consult a qualified doctor or clinic you can trust to stay safe.
What Should I Do If I Have Taken a Counterfeit Saxenda®?
If you suspect you have used a counterfeit Saxenda® or Ozempic® pen, contact a doctor immediately. Counterfeit products may contain harmful substances, incorrect dosages, or contaminants. Notify your doctor, and seek emergency care if you experience severe symptoms.
You may also want to report the product to the police – by doing so, you are actively helping to prevent further harm, ensuring that others are not misled or endangered by unsafe imitations.
Also Read: Types of Weight Loss Injections in Singapore
Why Are Weight Loss Pens Heavily Regulated in Singapore?
In Singapore, weight loss pens like Saxenda®, Ozempic® and other GLP-1 medications (a class of drugs that help manage type 2 diabetes and weight loss) are strictly regulated to ensure safety and efficacy.
In Singapore, GLP-1 medications are primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes, though only Saxenda® is specifically sanctioned for weight loss management[1].
- Saxenda® (Liraglutide) is the only GLP-1 medication approved in Singapore for weight loss.
- Ozempic® (Semaglutide), while effective for weight loss in some cases, is approved in Singapore for diabetes management, not as a dedicated weight loss treatment.
These pens must be prescribed by a doctor and are strictly intended for individuals who meet specific health and BMI criteria:
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher.
- Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Additionally, these pens are not to be seen as flippant solutions to weight loss; they require careful administration with a proper prescription plan by a doctor.
During your consultation, your doctor will evaluate your overall health, weight, and lifestyle to determine if a weight-loss pen suits you.
Your consultation will include blood pressure and BMI checks, plus proper guidance on the appropriate usage and management of any potential side effects.
Conclusion
The dangers of counterfeit medications, especially Saxenda® and Ozempic® pens, are real and can lead to severe health consequences.
Always seek the guidance of a trusted doctor and purchase medications through legitimate, regulated channels. Your health and safety should never be compromised for the sake of convenience or savings.
There is beauty in knowing. Stay vigilant and protected – contact us today if you have questions.