Consumer Alert: Beware of Counterfeit Weight-Loss and Diabetes Medications
RALEIGH, NC – North Carolinians using popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound should be on high alert for counterfeit versions of these medications. Due to high demand and supply shortages, fake versions are being smuggled into the U.S. from countries like India, China, and Turkey, posing serious health risks.
These counterfeit drugs may contain dangerous levels of active ingredients or harmful foreign substances, potentially leading to severe side effects, hospitalization, or worse. Additionally, some online sellers are distributing unregulated active ingredients, forcing consumers to mix their own medications, which significantly increases the risk of overdose or serious health complications.
This week, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, alongside a bipartisan coalition of Attorneys General, called on the FDA to take immediate action against illegal counterfeit drug manufacturers and sellers.
How to Stay Safe:
- Consult a doctor before taking any new medication and get prescriptions from a licensed physician.
- Avoid buying prescription drugs from unfamiliar online sources, as counterfeit sellers often provide fake, unsafe products.
- Pick up prescriptions in person or use a trusted pharmacy delivery service to ensure medication authenticity.
- Never attempt to mix or inject medications yourself, as improper dosages can lead to serious health risks, including overdose.
- Seek medical help immediately if you experience irregular side effects after taking a medication.
- Report illegal counterfeit drug sales in North Carolina to local law enforcement.
Staying vigilant and purchasing medications only from trusted sources for weight-loss drugs is critical to protecting your health and safety.