JAMA Netw Open

Weight loss drug shortages fuel rise in dangerous counterfeits

August 7, 2024

Illegal online pharmacies that bypass prescriptions and sell unregistered and counterfeit semaglutide products pose significant risk to consumers. In a research letter published in JAMA Network Open, researchers found semaglutide ordered from these illegal sites contained significantly more drug than labeled, while some samples contained signs of potential bacterial contamination. These findings underscore the urgent need for stricter online medication regulation.

The study

• Researchers assessed the risks of buying semaglutide online without a prescription by purchasing two 0.25-mg prefilled pens or equivalent vials from selected websites advertising the drug. Six online vendors flagged as risky by LegitScript and/or National Association of Boards of Pharmacy were included in test buys. The products were visually inspected for counterfeits and tested for quality, sterility, and active ingredients. The study ran from August 2023 to March 2024.

Key findings

• Of the six products purchased from online vendors, only three were delivered. The other three vendors attempted non-delivery scams, demanding extra payments (ranging from $650 to $1200) to supposedly clear customs. These scams were confirmed as fraudulent by customs authorities.
• Genuine Ozempic products met all quality standards, but the purchased products had significant discrepancies in labeling and regulatory information, suggesting they were unregistered or unlicensed.
• One sample showed elevated endotoxin levels (8.95 EU/mg), suggesting possible contamination despite no live bacteria. While all samples contained semaglutide, purity was significantly lower (7% to 14% vs. advertised 99%). Semaglutide content was 29% to 39% higher than labeled, potentially exposing users to excess medication.

Source:

Ashraf AR, et al. (2024, August 1). JAMA Netw Open. Safety and Risk Assessment of No-Prescription Online Semaglutide Purchases. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39093567/