If you are trying to secure some Ozempic for yourself, you better make sure you aren’t buying fake GLP-1 drugs. High prices and market shortages make certain websites very appealing to consumers, but counterfeit drugs can pose serious health risks. How can you know what’s in these fake drugs? Should you want to start using Ozempic, make sure to verify the legitimacy of any only pharmacy you use.
GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, increase insulin sensitivity and stimulate insulin secretion. These drugs also reduce blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Because they can make you feel full, they have become a popular drug to promote weight loss, especially amongst overweight or obese people. Unfortunately, GLP-1 drugs can be very expensive without insurance. One carton of Ozempic, for example, can cost about $1,000 at U.S. pharmacies.
All of these factors create opportunities for people to sell fake prescription drugs, ultimately taking advantage of consumers. One report found that social media websites were popular spaces for promoting fake drugs. Of the 3,968 fake listings removed in 2023, almost 60% were found on Facebook. Some experts believe that these fake sites target Facebook because the users tend to be a little older and less likely to spot a scam.
Why Are Fake Drug Websites So Dangerous?
Registered dietitians have given remarks about the recent emergence of fake GLP-1 drugs. They say that the biggest danger with buying from fake drug websites is that you don’t know what you are getting. You take a big risk when you take an unregulated drug because it could contain anything. What’s the best case scenario? You get an inert placebo. On the other side of the coin, you could put something incredibly dangerous in your body.
One of the major risks with taking these fake drugs is that they could be laced with heavy metals and other harmful toxins. Hundreds of ER visits every year are due to severe allergic reactions or lead poisoning, which people acquired from unknown sources. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also indicates that because most GLP-1 drugs are injected, the risk of infection is high, considering the sterility of needles can’t be confirmed. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, notes that you cannot confirm the efficacy of fake medications. That could be very dangerous for people who use these meds to control blood sugar.
How To Know If You Are Buying Fake Medications
The language on the sites selling fake medications is typically the same copy on real online pharmacies. Fake sites use deceptive tactics to not only appear genuine, but also to fool consumers. In fact, some sites will copy the branding and logos of reputable pharmaceutical companies. The discounted price is a big factor that tends to entice consumers who don’t want to pay the full price tag. It’s like looking for an item on a website and then looking somewhere else for the knock-off version. If you want to determine the legitimacy of the medication, consider the following:
- Beware of suspiciously low prices: Super discounts could mean that the product is expired or counterfeit.
- Use reputable online pharmacies: Make sure that the contact information is verified and that the payment methods are secure. Additionally, look for accreditation from authorities.
- Look for accreditation: Verified seals or certifications can indicate credible websites. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy provides a database of credible pharmacies.
- Verify the credentials: Before you make the purchase, make sure that the pharmacy has an active license in the state where it dispenses the medications. If it looks suspicious or you don’t have a good feeling about it, abort the mission.
- Check the authenticity of the medication: Make sure to research the appearance of the medication, how it’s packaged, and the manufacturer before you order or use it. Compare what you are looking at with the real medication. Novo Nordisk, for example, may offer real and fake photos to help you discern the real meds from the fake ones.
