Warning Against Counterfeit Weight-Loss Drugs in Circulation

The World Health Organization and Eli Lilly & Co. caution against counterfeit versions of popular weight-loss and diabetes medications.

WHO reported receiving numerous global reports of counterfeit semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Ozempic, since 2022.

Eli Lilly expressed serious concerns about the increasing presence of fake or compounded versions of tirzepatide, used in their drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound, in online sales and social media.

The company emphasized that it is the sole authorized supplier of these drugs and does not distribute tirzepatide to compounding pharmacies, wellness centers, or online retailers.

Both pharmaceutical companies stress that counterfeit medications advertised or sold online are unsafe and not approved for use.

Novo Nordisk and Lilly have issued prior warnings regarding the risks associated with fake versions of their medications.

WHO advises patients to obtain prescriptions from licensed healthcare providers and to avoid purchasing medications from unfamiliar sources to protect themselves.

Lilly warns that any product claiming to be tirzepatide other than Mounjaro or Zepbound is unauthorized by the company and not approved by the FDA.

Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy are approved by Health Canada.

Healthcare professionals and legal experts highlight counterfeit drugs as a growing and hazardous issue, particularly concerning highly sought-after pharmaceuticals like these.