Authorities are urging caution regarding ‘black market’ weight loss drugs that are increasingly available.
The demand for weight loss medications has surged in recent years, prompting many to invest heavily to shed unwanted pounds.
While some users report satisfaction with these drugs, they often find them expensive, with costs exceeding $300 for a prescription.
Conversations on social media have highlighted cheaper, counterfeit options, with claims of spending as little as $39 for a month’s supply.
However, medical professionals and experts caution against these alternatives, citing legal issues and potential severe health risks.
Some distributors attempt to circumvent legal challenges by labeling their products as ‘for research purposes’ or ‘not for human consumption.’
Dr. Leyla Hannbeck, from the Independent Pharmacies Association, has noted a rise in counterfeit GP1 drugs on the market.
She commented, “We’re seeing sachets and tablets being purchased for as little as £30 online.
“They don’t list proper ingredients, directions or markings – goodness knows what’s inside them.
“Some people might just be wasting their money, but others could be putting something incredibly harmful in their body that causes long-term liver or kidney damage.”
Hannbeck further highlighted that younger individuals might be more vulnerable, as they might not afford legitimate weight loss medications.
She pointed out that such individuals are prime targets for exploitation due to the current hype around weight loss solutions.
A representative from Eli Lilly has also warned about illicit attempts to sell orforglipron, a daily weight loss pill still under development.
They stressed that because it is not yet regulated by any agency, using it could present significant risks to buyers at this time.
In a statement to The Sun, the representative stated: “Orforglipron has not been reviewed or approved by any regulatory agency anywhere in the world, and therefore, at this time, no one can legally sell orforglipron for human use.
“Use of unapproved, investigational products may expose patients to potentially serious health risks.”
The spokesperson addressed the primary issue with counterfeit or black market drugs: despite claims of ‘not for human consumption’, their actual contents remain unknown.
The spokesperson added: “People who purchase counterfeit or black market medicines (those sold from unregulated sources), including ‘research use only’ chemicals, have no way of knowing what they actually contain.
“They aren’t tested, have no regulatory oversight for safety, quality, or efficacy, and can pose a serious risk to patients.
“They may contain no active ingredient at all, or contain other harmful ingredients. No one should ever risk putting them into their bodies.”
UNILAD has contacted Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly for comment.