Jeffrey A Newman
The FBI has issued a warning to the public about counterfeit compounded weight loss drugs on the market that claim to contain semaglutide, the active ingredient in Osempicand Wegovy two prescription medicationsfor weight loss. The notice posted on the FBI website says that the fraudulent drugs purporting to contain semaglutide have been found instead to contain “compounded mixtures of unknown drugs that do not contain semaglutide, drugs with high levels of impurities, and unsafe or unapproved drugs.”
The health risks of taking the “misrepresented drugs” include everything from cardiac and gastrointestinal disorders to nervous system disorders, psychiatric disorders and death, according to the FBI.
The agency also says that the fraudulent drugs are being sold by “noncompliant healthcare providers” including weight loss clinics, pharmacies and medical spas.
In one example, the FBI says a medical spa and weight loss clinic in the South sold its own compounded weight loss medication that was found to contain animal-grade semaglutide with vitamin B12, falling short of regulations set by the U.S Food and Drug Administration.
The FBI says consumers should watch for and avoid “suspiciously low prices” of weight loss drugs sold by unlicensed healthcare providers and should purchase medications only from licensed pharmacies.
According to Reuters, Asian pharma suppliers including those from China are producing semaglutide products that are entering the U.S.
At least three of these firms imported the key ingredient from China and at least one of their products was promoted online and in person outside the country of origin, according to the commercial customs data provider’s data, an interview with an employee at Chinese supplier Nanjing Hanxin Pharmaceutical Technology, and a website and social media app reviewed by Reuters.
The agency also says patients should consult with a medical provider before using any medications for weight loss.
Drug compounding is allowed when drugs are on the FDA’s shortage list, or in circumstances when a patient can’t take a version of a drug made by a pharmaceutical company and need an alternative. Compounded versions of semaglutide require a prescription. Many new web based companies offer to ship medicine to your door offer compounded versions of popular drugs made in-house or at compounding pharmacies they partner with.
Be aware that some companies selling compounded semaglutide may not be in compliance with state and federal standards.
Jeff Newman JD MBA, represents whistleblowers nationwide relating to major tariff fraud concerning imported Chinese goods as well as Medicare and Medicaid fraud cases under the False Claims Act (Qui Tam), and SEC, IRS and FINCEN whistleblower programs. He can be reached at Jeff@JeffNewmanLaw.com or at 617-823-3217
