威哥维（Wegovy）是一种可用于减肥的注射类处方药，对肥胖症患者大有助益。 图片来源：MICHAEL SILUK/UCG/UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP VIA GETTY IMAGES
Two years ago, patients rushed to buy GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and obesity. GLP-1 drugs, including semaglutide injection, Novotec (Ozempic), Viagravi, Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) and Zepbound (Tirzepatide), were so popular that it didn't take long for demand to outstrip supply. According to a recent survey conducted by KFF Health Tracking, as many as one in eight adults have now taken GLP-1.
The demand for GLP-1 drugs shows no signs of slowing down, and as a result, counterfeit GLP-1 drugs are on the rise, so much so that the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning last week to alert people to counterfeit medicines. In parallel with the warnings, drugmakers Eli Lily and Novo Nordisk have filed lawsuits against several entities to stop selling counterfeit drugs.
Dr. Supriya Rao of Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants in Massachusetts said, "The demand was so high that pharmacies started running out of stock as soon as these drugs hit the market. As a result, health care centers and dispensing pharmacies are beginning to fill this gap for patients. ”
Dispensing pharmacies use basic ingredients to dispense drugs from well-known brands like semaglutide injection, Novotech and Viavi. Wellness centers, many online channels, and dispensing pharmacies are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so patients are not guaranteed the drugs they receive from these sources. Dr. Carolyn Jasik, Chief Medical Officer at Omada Health, explains, "Combination drugs are essentially 'replicas' of existing drugs, but because they are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, they do not have the same safety, quality, and efficacy guarantees as approved drugs. ”
Similarly, counterfeit medicines, such as those you may find in health care centers or online, are not regulated. "Whatever counterfeit medicine is, it is dangerous and can lead to serious health consequences," Jasik said. These medications may be overdosed, contain the wrong ingredients, or contain no active ingredient at all. In short, the drugs you pay for will either cause you harm or won't do anything at all. ”
There are several risks associated with the use of unregulated GLP-1 drugs, including nausea, diarrhea, irregular blood sugar, infection at the injection site, etc.
Often, patients choose these alternatives not only because of a shortage of innovator drugs, but also because they are prohibitively expensive.
"Semaglutide drugs have both value and efficacy, but we are currently stuck in supply chain and cost constraints that make them unavailable to a large part of the public," Jasik said. It is important to note that this is largely the primary cause of the development of counterfeit drugs. As a health care provider, I regret that this life-saving medicine is so difficult to come by, and that counterfeit drugs have also emerged that take advantage of people's desires and medical needs. ”
Key message: Buyers beware.
How to avoid buying counterfeit semaglutide injection, Novotech and Viagravi and other GLP-1 drugs
1. Buy only at state-licensed pharmacies
Although cheap alternatives on the market may be tempting or just to get GLP-1 drugs, experts recommend avoiding alternatives. Simona Dorf, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist at First Databank Inc., said, "Consumers should purchase their medications from state-licensed pharmacies or FDA-registered outsourcing agencies to minimize the risk of buying counterfeit products." It is essential to verify prescriptions from licensed healthcare providers and avoid medications recommended by unverified online channels or social media influencers. ”
2. Do your own research when buying any medication online
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's BeSafeRx website is a good source of reliable information to educate yourself before clicking "buy." The site warns against sites that pose as online pharmacies, advising consumers to only buy prescription drugs from state-licensed online pharmacies and providing locator tools to find the location of pharmacies. In addition, the website also recommends talking to your doctor about any medications purchased online.
3. Check the packaging and labeling
Misspellings on labels or poor printing quality are telltale signs of counterfeit medicine. Double-check each label to make sure it's authentic. In addition to these red flags, other red flags include missing or multiple words in the name of the drug. You can also look up serial numbers and lot numbers on the FDA's website.
4. Avoid buying at a dispensing pharmacy
Rao also reminded consumers that any medication taken has the potential for side effects. If you don't buy your medication from a trusted source, these risks will only increase. "Dispensing pharmacies can lead to a slippery slope effect, depending on where the medicine comes from, and who knows what you're buying every day," she said. Injecting drugs of unknown origin is risky. ”
Regardless of whether the GLP-1 drug is taken or not, there are other important steps to be taken to lose weight, Jasik said. These steps include ongoing self-monitoring, such as weighing; Maintain a balanced diet; Perform exercises to achieve lean body mass; and developing a lifestyle plan to create a structured approach.
Whether you choose to take weight loss pills or not, staying safe should be your top priority. If drugs are part of it, that's even more so. "It's critical to double-check this information with your healthcare provider," Dove said. Recognizing the risks associated with counterfeit GLP-1 drugs and taking proactive measures can greatly protect consumers. As the demand for these drugs continues to grow, both consumers and regulators must be vigilant to ensure the safety and efficacy of treatments for diabetes and obesity. (Fortune Chinese Network)
Translator: Zhong Huiyan-Wang Fang
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