HARRISBURG, Pa. — With demand for weight loss and diabetes medications surging nationwide, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning consumers about a growing threat: counterfeit GLP-1 drugs flooding the market, many of which originate overseas and pose serious health risks.
GLP-1 receptor agonists — such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro — have gained popularity for both managing type 2 diabetes and supporting weight loss. However, supply shortages have led to an increase in unapproved and potentially dangerous alternatives being sold online and through unlicensed vendors.
“These counterfeit products flooding the market can cause harm, and I strongly advise anyone shopping for GLP-1 drugs to use extreme caution,” said AG Sunday. “I continue to urge the FDA to use its investigative, inspection, and enforcement powers to protect consumers.”
Counterfeit Risks & FDA Concerns
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified counterfeit versions of GLP-1 drugs, including counterfeit Ozempic, being illegally marketed in the U.S. These products may contain wrong or harmful ingredients, too much or too little active ingredient, or none at all. Some are falsely labeled as “not for human consumption” or “for research purposes” yet are still being sold for use.
Other risks highlighted include:
- Dosing errors from compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide, which have led to adverse events, including hospitalizations.
- Use of unauthorized salt forms like semaglutide sodium or acetate, which are chemically different from FDA-approved versions and may not be safe or effective.
- Products sold online that are not from state-licensed pharmacies, raising risks of contamination, poor quality, or illegal marketing.
As of April 30, 2025, the FDA has received:
- 520 adverse event reports related to compounded semaglutide
- 480 reports related to compounded tirzepatide
Reported symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain, with some cases requiring emergency care.
AG Sunday Urges Caution and Responsible Use
With summer approaching and many people eager to lose weight quickly for vacations or beach trips, AG Sunday is urging Pennsylvanians to prioritize their health.
“We encourage Pennsylvanians to prioritize their health over efforts to lose a few more pounds,” he said.
What Consumers Should Do:
- Only use GLP-1 medications prescribed by a licensed health care provider.
- Fill prescriptions at state-licensed pharmacies.
- Report any suspicious or counterfeit products to the FDA and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
- Do not purchase medications labeled as “not for human consumption” or sold under “research only” disclaimers.
- Be cautious when buying online—visit the FDA’s BeSafeRx campaign for tips on safe online purchases.
Anyone experiencing side effects or who suspects a counterfeit drug can report incidents to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
