Popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have caused massive waves across the world over the past couple of years. However, when demand increases, so do the opportunities for dangerous alternatives – such as fake GLP-1 drugs.
Real GLP-1 Drugs vs. Fake GLP-1 Drugs
Most people understand that drugs like Ozempic have found usefulness in helping people lose weight. However, they may not understand what a GLP-1 drug is designed to do, making them more susceptible to fake GLP-1 drugs.
A glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, commonly known as GLP-1, helps the body regulate insulin and therefore regulate blood sugar. However, experts discovered the hormone GLP-1 also helped the brain feel full and satisfied, reducing hunger. This brought about the use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for weight loss, which paved the way for fake GLP-1 drugs to make their way into the market.
Sadly, the GLP-1 drug supply saw massive shortages, forcing people to go to alternative providers to get the drug. This meant the risk of dangerous imitations or counterfeit versions went up dramatically.
Not Necessarily Fake GLP-1 Drugs, but Not Brand-Name
As the supply of brand-name and generic GLP-1 drugs shrank, compound pharmacies filled the gap and produced their own versions of the drugs, which used active ingredients like semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Recently, the FDA came out with a warning regarding the safety of compounded drugs, while also ordering compounding pharmacies to stop producing the GLP-1 drug imitations. Even though compounded GLP-1 drugs are not considered fake GLP-1 drugs, the FDA maintains that compounded drugs cannot be considered FDA-approved medications. In their warning, the FDA states, “This means the agency does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness or quality before they are marketed.”
They continue, “The agency has identified some areas of concern for compounded GLP-1 drugs. FDA is working with its state regulatory partners and will continue to communicate with compounders regarding these concerns.”
Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Unfortunately, the FDA has received reports of adverse events as a result of patients using compounded GLP-1 drugs. Again, while these drugs are not considered “fake GLP-1 drugs” (which we’ll cover in a second), the reports suggest dosing errors have occurred. These dosing errors are typically the result of patients “measuring and self-administering incorrect doses of the drug, and in some cases, health care professionals miscalculating doses of the drug.”
Worse yet, patients have been prescribed doses beyond the FDA-approved amounts. Patients are taking them either more frequently or more quickly than necessary. This has resulted in side effects such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
Patients must be aware of the source of their medication to ensure the drug is FDA-approved and produced by an approved manufacturer. Sadly, fake GLP-1 drugs can easily slip into the drug supply when people begin purchasing their medications from unapproved or unregistered sources.
Getting your medications from licensed pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, or approved programs such as Prescription Assistance Programs can help reduce the risk that arises from fake GLP-1 drugs. And as always, consult your doctor before beginning any prescription medication regimen.
Government Warns About Fake GLP-1 Drugs
Recently, the FBI issued a warning about fake GLP-1 drugs, which are counterfeit compound drugs. It is reported that the drugs have been found to contain “unknown drugs, high levels of impurities, and unsafe or unapproved drugs.”
Some experts report seeing ingredients like meth included in fake GLP-1 drugs, making them extremely dangerous to use. Other organizations have warned that fake GLP-1 drugs could contain harmful ingredients such as mercury, arsenic, rat poison, or even cement.
Meanwhile, the producers of fake GLP-1 drugs are often not licensed or working under unapproved conditions. Add in receiving ingredients from unreputable sources, and the danger of fake GLP-1 drugs rises dramatically.
Without approved facilities, producers run the risk of including organisms like bacteria. This means fake GLP-1 drugs could possibly include dangerous bacteria that could cause life-threatening diseases like botulism.
FDA and Fake GLP-1 Drugs
The FDA also warns consumers of the dangers of fake GLP-1 drugs. They monitor the internet for counterfeit drugs and issue warning letters to producers who make illegally marketed semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Some manufacturers attempt to avoid legal issues by marking their compounds “for research purposes” or “not for human consumption.” Yet, they are marketed to consumers with dosing recommendations for humans.
If you happen to come across a fake GLP-1 drug, report the event to the FDA.
How To Avoid Fake GLP-1 Drugs
Thankfully, if you need a GLP-1 drug, plenty of options are available. Even though we had a shortage for the past few years, the US government announced last year that the supply shortage was officially over. This means pharmaceutical manufacturers were able to catch up to demand and now getting a real GLP-1 drug is much easier.
However, be careful when purchasing your medications. Plenty of online pharmacies offer amazing deals, but may not be licensed or approved. Purchasing medications from social media, influencers, or online pharmacies increases your risk of buying fake GLP-1 drugs and other counterfeit medications.
To make matters worse, some people face high costs for drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Even those with insurance plans, Medicaid, or Medicare may struggle to get their GLP-1 drugs for affordable rates. This makes them feel like compounding pharmacies and other sources may be their only option.
If that’s you, and you wonder how you’re going to get your GLP-1 drugs, we may be able to help.
Prescription Hope
We at Prescription Hope have made it our mission to help people get their medications at affordable rates. We go directly to the manufacturers, meaning there is no risk of fake GLP-1 drugs or other counterfeit medications. We help you get access to only FDA-approved name brands and generics.
The best part? For only $60.00 per med, per month, you can get access to over 1500 FDA-approved medications. If you qualify, we can get your order shipped directly to your door and we’ll even handle ordering your refills without any added cost.
If you need a GLP-1 drug and struggle with the costs, we may be able to help. Get help today and begin our enrollment process. Our patient advocates are happy to help you every step of the way.
