Addressing the Risks of Online Weight Loss Drug Purchases as NABP Issues a Warning
Author: Adam Collins
Is the weight loss drug you bought online safe? This question lies at the heart of a concerning trend uncovered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®). In their latest report, titled Injectable Weight Loss Drugs: How Illegal Online Drug Sellers Are Taking Advantage of Patients, NABP sheds light on the dangers posed by counterfeit weight loss medications sold by unscrupulous online vendors.
The Temptation of Online Weight Loss Drugs
Many people aim to lose weight, and the promise of quick results from certain medications can be very tempting. However, drugs like Semaglutide, Liraglutide, and Tirzepatide, which are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists) and are usually prescribed for diabetes and obesity, come with risks. These risks are especially high if you buy them from unregulated online sources.
Obesity is a common problem around the world and more so in the US where over 74% are classified as overweight and 39% are classified as obese. This has opened a rat race with millions looking for ways to cut their weight, some using whatever means necessary. With popular figures such as Elon Musk and Tracy Morgan previously admitting to using Semaglutide to lose weight, it becomes obvious why the drugs are popular.
The use of these drugs has been so popular that it forced weight-loss chain Jenny Craig to file for bankruptcy while Walmart has noticed a reduction in food purchases. Others such as WeightWatchers had to adapt by acquiring a telehealth platform that provides GLP-1 agonists.
Since these medications are in high demand, the prices have soared and the fact that they are often not covered by insurance makes them even more attractive targets for illegal sellers.
So, how do bad actors take advantage of the situation? Here are a few ways;
Illegal Selling
Criminals are skirting the law by selling these drugs without asking for a prescription or having the proper pharmacy licenses. Mostly done through online shopping, this illegal purchasing of drugs comes with major risks. In most countries, like the US, selling drugs without a prescription is illegal.
Illegal online pharmacy offering Saxenda, a GLP-1 agonist, without requiring a prescription
Impersonating Legit Businesses
Scammers have perfected the art of impersonating legit businesses. Some bad actors dupe consumers by replicating legitimate sellers' websites, branding, or packaging, making it difficult for buyers to know which one is legit or a replica.
For instance, take a look at the pictures below and determine which is the legitimate website.
Manufacturer’s website
If you are not too careful, you cannot tell the difference between the two websites as the second is mimicking the manufacturers’ website including the pictures, design, color scheme, and much more.
Misrepresentation as Research Products
To evade detection, sellers advertise drugs as "peptides" for "research purposes only," sidestepping regulations on human consumption. It’s prudent to only buy drugs that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any other recognized authorities for your safety.
So, how can the Scam fighting community help end this menace?
Global Efforts to Fight Back Against Illegal Medication Sales
With more than half of the world population expected to be overweight by 2035, scammers will always have a target market for illegal weight loss drugs. In light of this, there is a need for the scam-fighting community to up the fight against illegal sellers. Here are a few ways this can be done;
Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks
Governments and law enforcement need to step up and create stronger laws and regulations for selling prescription drugs online. This means tougher penalties for those caught selling illegally and better monitoring of online marketplaces to catch these activities early.
Additionally, international cooperation is crucial; by working together, law enforcement agencies across borders can share information and conduct joint operations to track down and dismantle these illegal drug networks. This collaboration can lead to more effective enforcement and a significant reduction in the availability of counterfeit medications online.
Monitor and Report Counterfeits
Ever wondered who ensures the safety and authenticity of medicines sold online? Brand protection agencies are shaping the future by leading the fight against counterfeit weight loss drugs in the digital age. They need to utilize cutting-edge monitoring technologies across websites and social media platforms to swiftly identify and remove fake products, thereby safeguarding consumers from potentially harmful substances.
Of course, this isn’t a one-person do-it-all task, which is why users and other stakeholders need to do more in reporting counterfeits. To protect themselves, patients are urged to utilize resources like NABP's Safe Pharmacy website, which offers tools such as the Safe Site Search Tool to verify the legitimacy of online pharmacies.
Proactively Remove Illegal Content
Social media platforms, internet service providers, and cybersecurity companies are pivotal in the fight against counterfeit weight loss drugs online. After all, most of the online sales of illegal drugs happen on their platforms. These entities must proactively remove illegal content by implementing and enforcing policies that swiftly take down posts, pages, and advertisements promoting the sale of illegal medications.
For instance, Meta recently highlighted its commitment to combatting scams, discussing initiatives during the Global Anti Scam Summit Europe 2024 to enhance platform security and protect users from fraudulent activities.
Governments and online platforms worldwide are cracking down on these illegal sellers to keep people safe. NABP supports these efforts to protect public health. It will take the combined efforts of government agencies, domain registrars, and all stakeholders to weed out illegal drug-selling websites.
Parting Shot: Uniting Against Online Counterfeit Weight Loss Drugs
It's easy to fall for the promise of quick weight loss, but buying meds online can be risky. NABP's report is a wake-up call, reminding us to be careful where we buy our meds. They may have flashy websites, or mimic legitimate websites, but in the end, they either fail to deliver or sell drugs illegally. Weight loss is a long journey that can be taxing both emotionally and financially, but doing it right will save you much going forward.
The report by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) is a wake-up to all governments and other stakeholders to strike hard on illegal drug sellers to prevent pertinent health issues.
Read more about illegal online sellers of GLP-1 agonists in the RogueRx Activity Report.
By staying informed and working together, we can fight against illegal online drug sales and keep everyone safe.
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