Mississippians are being warned to be vigilant when purchasing certain weight-loss products, amid a national trend of more people turning to medical options to shed some pounds.
Attorney General Lynn Fitch is sounding the alarm on misrepresented drugs that could potentially pose severe health and safety risks to consumers. As the demand for weight-loss regimens grows, so does the opportunity for illegitimate products to flood the market as deceptive sellers prey on prospective buyers.
These producers are accused of making misleading health claims and promoting unapproved and compounded tirzepatide and semaglutide products in formulations that have never been evaluated by any regulatory agency. In an attempt to mimic the effects of the popular drug Ozempic, products such as sublingual drops, lozenges or films taken under the tongue, topical skin patches, and nasal sprays have flooded the market.
However, these compounded tirzepatide and semaglutide products sold by compounding pharmacies, outsourcing facilities, med-spas, wellness centers, online retailers, and individuals on social media may not be approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
“It is critical that consumers remain vigilant and ensure that they are purchasing safe, regulated weight loss drugs,” Fitch said. “I urge Mississippians to work with their licensed prescriber and pharmacist when taking these prescription medications and to purchase them only from a licensed and regulated source. If you think you have purchased an unapproved product, please report it to my office.”
The following tips have been offered to protect Mississippians from faulty products.
- Be aware of suspiciously low prices of weight-loss drugs sold by unlicensed providers
- Consult with your medical provider before using any pharmaceutical medication
- Avoid products marketed as “research-grade” or “research-use-only”
- Be cautious when purchasing any pharmaceutical online, and ensure that you are buying from a licensed pharmacy
- Check for FDA approval or regulatory clearance of the drug before use
- Beware of products that promise rapid or dramatic weight loss with little effort
- Avoid drugs or supplements that do not list all ingredients or come in unmarked packaging
- Be wary of products sold or shipped from another country
- Talk to your prescriber about sellers offering to sell more than three months of a GLP-1 medication at once
The FBI issued a similar alert to consumers earlier this year. Those who believe they received an unapproved weight-loss prescription can contact the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office here or by calling (601) 359-3680.
