Beware Counterfeit drugs

Buyer Beware: The Deadly Dangers of Counterfeit Weight Loss Drugs

Author: Corinne Rao, MD
Published: May 14, 2024
Categories: All | News | Weight loss

In the quest for quick weight loss, some are dangerously turning to black market sources for drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. However, counterfeit drugs can contain unknown and potentially lethal ingredients.

As a lifestyle medicine physician, I cannot overstate the risks of using any medication without proper medical supervision and a valid prescription from a licensed provider.

Legitimate Ozempic and Wegovy are prescribed for chronic weight management in obese or overweight patients. However, these potent medications require careful monitoring by a physician for proper dosing, side effect management, and evaluation for safe continued use.

Counterfeit versions may be laced with fentanyl, mercury, lead, rat poison, or other toxic substances. Or they may contain no active drug at all, just inert filler. There’s simply no way to know what you’re getting on the black market (FDA warns about Ozempic counterfeits, seizes thousands of fake drugs).

We’ve seen the devastating consequences of fentanyl-laced street drugs causing accidental overdoses and deaths. Why take that same deadly gamble with counterfeit weight loss drugs?

Even if counterfeit drugs happen to contain the actual medication, taking them without clinical oversight is extremely dangerous. Improper dosing can cause life-threatening effects like thyroid tumors, pancreatic inflammation, eyesight problems, and more.

Don’t put your health and life on the line for unreliable, unregulated drugs from illicit sources. Be smart and partner with a qualified physician. They can evaluate if medication is appropriate and monitor you closely if prescribed.

Only obtain medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, from legitimate, licensed pharmacies. This protects you from counterfeit drugs and ensures you’re getting the safe, regulated product.

Your health journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Rapid weight loss from black market drugs is not worth jeopardizing your safety and life. Lose weight the right way through lifestyle changes, exercise, and if appropriate, medication under medical supervision from a physician you trust.

Remember, when it comes to your health, there are no shortcuts. Invest in long-term, sustainable solutions guided by medical expertise. Your life is simply too precious to risk on dodgy counterfeit drugs!

Ask Dr. Corinne

GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy represent a significant advancement in medical interventions for weight loss, especially for those grappling with obesity or being overweight. Its ability to control appetite, contribute to sustained weight loss, and improve metabolic health places it at the forefront of options available to individuals looking to make a meaningful change in their lives. With professionals like Dr. Corinne Rao and Legacy Physicians pioneering its use alongside personalized lifestyle changes, patients have access to a comprehensive and effective solution for managing their weight and enhancing their overall health.  If you’d like to know whether a GLP-1 medication might suit you, book an appointment with Dr. Corinne.

 

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Receive personalized care from Dr. Corinne.  Her holistic approach to medicine focuses on treating the root cause of health issues rather than just the symptoms.  She takes the time to listen to your concerns and works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.

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