A growing number of counterfeit weight reduction and diabetes drugs are reaching unwary customers, prompting state leaders to issue a warning. Attorneys general from 38 states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, and South Carolina, are pushing the FDA to take prompt action against counterfeit versions of popular medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.
These counterfeit pharmaceuticals, which are frequently marketed online, pose significant health concerns. Some contain uncontrolled substances, while others are deceptively touted as cheaper alternatives to legitimate treatments. Many of these products are labeled “for research purposes only” or “not for human consumption,” but they are heavily marketed on social media as weight loss remedies.
Why This Matters
Fake medications are not only ineffective, but they can also be hazardous. Unregulated chemicals may contain hazardous additives, incorrect quantities, or even toxic components. With millions of Americans dependent on GLP-1 drugs to lose weight and treat diabetes, the proliferation of counterfeits poses a huge public health danger.
What States Are Doing About It
State officials are pressing the FDA to crack down on illegal internet sales and take more stringent enforcement action against companies that make counterfeit medications. They also push for closer collaboration with state pharmacy boards to ensure that compounded versions of these drugs are created safely and legally.
How to Stay Safe
Health experts warn that the best way to avoid dangerous counterfeit drugs is to get prescriptions only from licensed healthcare providers and fill them at legitimate pharmacies. If a deal online seems too good to be true, it probably is.
With state leaders pushing for tougher regulations, consumers can expect increased oversight in the coming months to help protect them from the risks of fake medications.