How to Avoid Counterfeit Weight-Loss Medications
Counterfeit and fraudulently labeled semaglutide and tirzepatide products have entered supply channels. Counterfeits may contain the wrong ingredient, concentration, device components or contaminants.
What to do
Use a licensed pharmacy
Verify the pharmacy with the relevant state board and use a valid prescription from an identifiable clinician.
Inspect the package
Check product, strength, lot, expiration, seal, spelling and device appearance. Contact the pharmacy when anything differs.
Protect the cold chain
Follow product storage instructions and question warm, damaged, frozen or anonymously repackaged shipments.
When prompt medical guidance is important
- Social-media, marketplace or messaging-app sales
- No prescription or clinician relationship
- “Research use only” products promoted for self-injection
- Pressure to pay by wire, cryptocurrency, gift card or friends-and-family transfer
Call 911 for severe breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, stroke-like symptoms or another emergency.
How W8MD can help
W8MD reviews the exact product, dose, symptoms, medical history, other medicines, nutrition, hydration, sleep, insurance and goals. The plan may involve slower escalation, another medication, nutrition support, sleep evaluation or discontinuation when benefit no longer outweighs risk.
Weight-loss prescriptions · Medication guide · GLP-1 comparison · How W8MD chooses treatment · Insurance guide · W8MD medical weight loss
Frequently asked questions
What if my pen looks different?
Do not use it until the dispensing pharmacy verifies the product.
Where can a problem be reported?
Contact the pharmacy, manufacturer when applicable and FDA MedWatch.
Is an overseas brand automatically counterfeit?
Not automatically, but importing or using products outside authorized U.S. channels creates legal and safety concerns.
Authoritative information
FDA Wegovy prescribing information · FDA Zepbound prescribing information · FDA GLP-1 safety concerns · WikiMD GLP-1 overview
Request an appointment
For faster assistance call Brooklyn at 718-946-5500 or Philadelphia at 215-676-2334. Do not submit personal medical information or urgent concerns through this general form.
Medical disclaimer: Educational information only; not medical advice or a guarantee of treatment, coverage, availability or results. Medical evaluation is required.
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