HPRA health warning after detention of counterfeit tirzepatide pens containing insulin

Risk of hypoglycaemia for unsuspecting users

An ongoing investigation by the HPRA and Revenue’s Customs Service has identified a small consignment of counterfeit tirzepatide injection pens that have been found to contain insulin and could pose a serious health risk for consumers. The HPRA is advising members of the public to only source prescription medicines from a registered pharmacy using a valid prescription to ensure they are accessing legitimate authorised medicinal products. The consignment detained, which included falsified pens, was 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 appear similar to the authorised form of tirzepatide, branded as Mounjaro®. 

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 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. 

The HPRA confirms 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 end users. It continues to work closely with Revenue’s Customs Service, whose decisive action in this case successfully intercepted the falsified pens and prevented their entry into the country via the postal system.

As recently as September, the HPRA confirmed that it detained almost 400,000 units of illegal medicines in first half of 2025. It reminds the public that purchasing prescription medicines from unregulated sources means you can't be sure what you're getting. These products may be unsafe, ineffective, or fake – and could seriously harm your health.

ENDS

For further information

• Káno Communications Tel: (01) 679 8600  
• Sinéad Brassil (086) 057 9298 Siobhán Molloy (086) 817 5066