MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — An estimated 15.5 million U.S. adults are using injectable diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Wigovy to lose weight, according to a Gallup poll released this year.
These drugs have been shown to be effective in fighting obesity and diabetes, but now there is an unintended consequence of their surge in popularity: “knock-offs” that can put your health at risk. There are warnings about the growth of the pharmaceutical market.
The increased demand for semaglutide products means not only a national shortage of the real thing, but a whole new market of websites and overseas shops selling “fake” products. This genuine drug helps people lose weight by suppressing cravings in the brain.
But now the Federal Drug Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection say they are increasingly concerned that many Americans are unknowingly purchasing counterfeit products.
“People are taking risks by ordering these items online and not knowing the actual supplier they’re sending it to,” said Customs and Border Protection Port Director Salvatore Ingrassia. “We tested these medications and found they contained antifreeze, too much active ingredient, too little active ingredient, and other fillers, and in some cases were dangerous.”
Border Patrol agents work every day to intercept counterfeit goods entering the country. Meanwhile, the FDA warned website operators selling “counterfeit” products to shut down or face legal action.
Experts say there are some key tips when it comes to actually spotting a fake drug itself. This includes the packaging appearing to be “off,” the label not being printed, or the ink from the label on the injection pen itself, making it smudge to the touch.
Additionally, experts say the biggest red flag for counterfeit products is likely their price. The actual product can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per month, so experts say that while the price of the product you’re buying may sound like a lie, it probably is. That’s what I’m saying.
“U.S. consumers and insurance companies pay far more for medicines…in this case, 10 times more than residents and insurance companies in other countries,” said Renu Rayasam, senior correspondent for KFF Health News. he said. “These drugs have many health uses and benefits, and demand is skyrocketing. JPMorgan estimates that 30 million Americans will take these drugs by 2030. That’s 9% of the total U.S. population.
Some genuine drug manufacturers have tools on their websites, such as: Check product authenticity. The National Association of Pharmacy Boards also “Safe site search tool” This allows users to check whether websites selling medicines are vetted or certified.
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