HPRA warns of risk of hypoglycaemia for unsuspecting users
A consignment of counterfeit tirzepatide injection pens have been found to contain insulin and could pose a serious health risk for consumers, the the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has said.
An ongoing investigation by the authority and Revenue’s Customs Service identified the fraudulent products, including falsified pens, which were sourced online and originated from outside Europe.
Laboratory tests confirm that two of the pens contain insulin instead of tirzepatide, posing a serious risk to unsuspecting users due to the possible onset of severe hypoglycaemia upon administration.
Tirzepatide is a manufactured peptide designed to help manage type 2 diabetes and support weight loss. The counterfeit products appeared similar to the authorised form of tirzepatide, branded as Mounjaro®.
The HPRA advises anyone who suspects they may have used any falsified tirzepatide or other GLP-1 type product, and who are experiencing symptoms of hypoglycaemia, to seek medical attention immediately.
Hypoglycaemia occurs when blood sugar levels, also called blood glucose levels, drop too low. It must be treated quickly to stop it getting worse.
Symptoms of low blood sugar can include feeling hungry, feeling dizzy, sweating, shaking, heart palpitations, changes in vision and feeling confused. More severe symptoms include extreme drowsiness, seizures and loss of consciousness. If left untreated, severe low blood sugar can be life-threatening.
The HPRA confirmed that, to date, no reports of harm have been received in connection with this issue, nor is there evidence that these particular counterfeit products have reached users.
Last month the authority confirmed that it detained almost 400,000 units of illegal medicines in the first half of 2025. It reminds the public that purchasing prescription medicines from unregulated sources means users can’t be sure what they’re getting. These products may be unsafe, ineffective, or fake – and could seriously harm users’ health.
