More people are taking weight loss and diabetes drugs like Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic and Mounjaro, there is less supply from the higher demand. The North Carolina Office of the Attorney General is warning to be aware of these counterfeit drugs from other countries. These fake drugs often contain dangerous amounts of active ingredients or other harmful foreign substances. If you swallow or inject these counterfeit drugs, you can have serious side effects or even be hospitalized. Be careful of online stores that sell these drugs without a prescription. Also be very careful of mixing the medication yourself; this is dangerous because you could get the wrong active ingredient or mix it incorrectly.
Here are some tips to follow when obtaining or taking your medication:
- Always consult a doctor before taking a new medication. If you need a medication, get a prescription through a trusted physician.
- Don’t buy prescription drugs online from stores you don’t know. It’s easy for online sellers to send you cheap fakes of the medications you’re looking for that contain incorrect dosages or harmful foreign substances.
- Always pick up your prescriptions in person, or have a trusted pharmacy deliver them to your home, so you know the medications you’re getting are authentic and safe.
- Never formulate your medications yourself. The balance of ingredients is delicate and self-application or injection could lead to an overdose.
- If you start feeling irregular side effects or health problems from a medication you’ve taken, call 9-1-1 or seek medical help immediately.
- If you see someone illegally selling these counterfeit drugs or active ingredients online in North Carolina, report it to law enforcement.
If you have any questions, please ask your medical provider.