Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is sounding the alarm over the black market for GLP-1 drugs and urging consumers to be vigilant against counterfeit versions as overwhelming demand continues to outstrip legitimate supply.
The warning from the attorney general’s office comes as there have been widespread shortages of GLP-1 drugs, which are sold under brand names such as Mounjaro, Zepbound, Ozempic, and Wegovy. The class of drugs are increasingly popular for diabetes management and weight loss.
The attorney general pointed to a recent multistate coalition letter sent to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The letter pressed the federal agency to step up its efforts against these illicit products, many of which are believed to originate from foreign countries.
“These counterfeit products flooding the market can cause harm, and I strongly advise anyone shopping for GLP-1 drugs to use extreme caution,” Sunday said. “I continue to urge the FDA to use its investigative, inspection, and enforcement powers to protect consumers.”
The popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists has soared, with a Kaiser Family Foundation study last year indicating that one in eight American adults reported using such medication.
The overwhelming consumer demand, coupled with manufacturing constraints, has created lucrative opportunities for illicit actors, authorities have said.
The FDA has shared concerns regarding unapproved versions of these drugs, including compounded formulations of semaglutide and tirzepatide.
The unapproved products, federal officials warn, bypass the rigorous safety, efficacy, and quality reviews mandated by the FDA.
Concerns extend to compounded drugs that may contain unapproved salt forms or unsafe additives.
Since April 30, the FDA has recorded 1,000 reports of adverse effects linked to compounded versions of the GLP-1 drugs.
The agency has also issued specific alerts concerning counterfeit Ozempic being sold illegally.
The counterfeit medications may contain incorrect ingredients, improper dosages—either too little, too much, or none of the active ingredient—or other harmful substances, according to the FDA.
Consumers are encouraged to report any suspicious drug products to both the FDA and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
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