Fake weight loss drugs are being sold online, fueling demand for cheaper options

Smartly designed websites. Incredible discounts. A simple online search for Semaglutidethe active ingredient in Ozempic or Wegovy, can lead consumers to search through seemingly reputable online pharmacies Weight loss medications at a reduced price. The temptation is clear for many Americans, but some of these deals come with potentially deadly costs.

According to a 2023 KFF study, consumers in the United States pay higher prices for weight loss medications than in any other country in the world. However, cheaper alternatives online are not always what they seem.

“People are taking a real risk when they order these products online and don't know the supplier who is sending them to them,” said Salvatore Ingrassia, port director for Customs and Border Protection at New York's JFK Airport.

CBP agents are on the front lines intercepting counterfeit prescription drugs entering the country. This includes Imitations of popular weight loss drugs.

Customs officials gave CBS News a rare look into their operations and showed seized documents mislabeled or counterfeit Medication. Within two days, agents seized products from countries including Israel and Bangladesh. A shipment of suspected counterfeit Wegovy was hidden in a children's Mickey Mouse puzzle.

Even though these counterfeit medications may look real, they often contain dangerous substances.

“We found things like antifreeze and incorrect amounts of active ingredients in these products,” Ingrassia said.

In September, customs officers at the Port of Cincinnati inspected 63 shipments that appeared to contain counterfeit and unapproved medications. Among them were several boxes of counterfeit Ozempic, Wegovy and Trulicity injections. Other drugs, including Botox and Minoxidil, which are used to prevent hair growth, were also confiscated by authorities.

The FDA is taking action

The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings to several online pharmacies that are suspected of selling counterfeit products. The letters demand that sites stop selling products that violate FDA standards or take legal action. Despite their efforts, a quick internet search by CBS News in September 2024 revealed that these websites remain active or are redirecting users to other websites offering these questionable drugs.

The Food and Drug Administration told CBS News it cannot comment on enforcement actions.

The health concerns of counterfeits

The health risks are real. Novo Nordisk reported that a counterfeit pen contained the diabetes drug insulin. The user was hospitalized after administering the fake pen.

Authorities have arrested people involved in selling counterfeit drugs, including a Woman from Long Island is suspected of selling Ozempic online under the false brand. The woman pleaded not guilty to the charge and is out on bail. Court documents show one victim reported injuries and infections after taking the drug.

Ricki Chase, former Chicago-area FDA investigator and expert in tracking counterfeit products, urges consumers to remain vigilant.

“If you're buying a drug that's legitimately priced in the thousands of dollars for just $65, you should ask questions,” she said.

What can consumers do?

Chase advises consumers to purchase these medications only with a prescription from reputable pharmacies. Real weight loss medication pens should have unique identification codes and proper labeling.

If the label appears smudged or misaligned, it is probably counterfeit. Uneven adhesive seams, crooked batch numbers and cheap-looking colors are also signs that the products may be counterfeit, according to Chase.

Ultimately, she believes the best defense is good judgment.

“Don’t put your health at risk trying to get healthy,” she said.

Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy, said in a statement to CBS News: “It is important that patients are aware that Novo Nordisk is the only FDA-approved company in the United States Medicines that contain the main ingredient semaglutide. The FDA has not approved any generic versions of semaglutide.”

Eli Lilly, maker of Mounjaro and Zepbound, which are also used for weight loss, told CBS News: “Lilly has taken steps to inform people about the risks posed by counterfeit, counterfeit and unsafe or untested products and has lilly.com/real- created. Medicine that contains a tool to help you determine if you have a genuine Lilly product.

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has released a Safe Site Search Tool that allows users to check whether a website that sells medications has been verified. You can also view a list of current NABP accredited sites here.