Ozempic, Wegovy Buyers Beware as Dangerous Fake Weight Loss Drugs Are Flooding the Market: Here's How to Stay Safe

By Jace Dela Cruz

Jun 29 2024, 20:00 PM EDT

As drugs for diabetes and weight loss, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have surged in popularity, so has the issue of fake versions entering the market.

Ozempic, Wegovy Buyers Beware as Dangerous Fake Weight Loss Drugs Are Flooding the Market: Here's How to Stay Safe — As drugs for diabetes and weight loss, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have surged in popularity, so has the issue of fake versions entering the market. SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images

4 Ways to Avoid Dangerous Fake Ozempic and Wegovy Weight Loss Drugs

With high demand and limited supply, Fortune reported that these drugs have become targets for counterfeiters. If you're one of the many people looking to lose weight through these drugs, here are important things you should know to avoid getting dangerous counterfeit versions.

Stick to State-Licensed Pharmacies

Experts advise purchasing only from state-licensed pharmacies or FDA-registered outsourcing facilities to avoid fake versions of these medications. It is crucial to steer clear of drugs recommended by unverified online sources or social media influencers.

Turn to the FDA's BeSafeRx Website

The FDA's BeSafeRx website is helpful for educating people on safe online purchasing practices. It advises consumers to buy prescription medicines from state-licensed online pharmacies and provides tools to locate legitimate ones.

Do Not Rely on Compounding Pharmacies

Experts also caution against using compounding pharmacies, as the source of the medication can be uncertain. These pharmacies can create medications in forms that are not commercially available and may adjust medications based on allergies, sensitivities, or other unique patient requirements.

However, because compounding pharmacies mix or alter ingredients to create customized medications, the quality and consistency of the final product can vary.

Don't Ignore the Packaging and Labels

When purchasing, it is important to check or inspect packaging and labels for misspellings or poor print quality and check serial and lot numbers against the FDA's database.

Most importantly, proper self-monitoring, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a structured lifestyle program are essential for safe and effective weight loss, whether or not glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) drugs, such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound, are part of the regimen.