I don’t prescribe medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, though many of my patients do take them, and sometimes it’s not clear where these drugs are sourced.
Initially designed for diabetes management, GLP-1 medications have gained huge popularity for weight loss. When prescribed properly by a qualified doctor and obtained from a legitimate pharmacy, they can be safe and effective. However, the demand for these drugs has outpaced the establishment of protective measures for patients.
Recently, the FDA issued a warning about counterfeit Ozempic products circulating in the U.S. These fake versions are ineffective and might be contaminated or improperly dosed, or they could entirely lack the active ingredient. Yet, they’re still heavily marketed, often through sophisticated social media promotions and eye-catching websites.
The more troubling issue is how this is happening. Patients aren’t necessarily seeking dangerous options; they’re being sold a false sense of security. Some companies promote “affordable” GLP-1 injections, failing to clarify that these products may be unapproved, unregulated, and sometimes illegally imported. Online health questionnaires don’t replace genuine medical care, and clinics offering mixed injections without licensed pharmacists aren’t true pharmacies.
Pharmacies play a role, too. While some compounds are valid in medicine, operations are currently making GLP-1 drugs on a massive scale using unapproved ingredients, not adhering to basic safety standards. This isn’t professional care; it sidesteps regulations and unnecessarily jeopardizes patient safety.
Ensuring patients have access to these medications is crucial, but injectable drugs that influence blood sugar and metabolism are not trivial products. They must be prescribed and distributed properly.
If you’re thinking about these medications, your best bet is to have a face-to-face discussion with your regular doctor about the risks and benefits. And if you do get a prescription, steer clear of websites from Facebook ads. Instead, go to your local pharmacy and talk to a pharmacist.
