The Food & Drug Administration or FDA has alerted the public about off-brand versions of Ozempic and Wegovy. These are modified GLP-1 drugs, like semaglutide, which have been sold amid shortages since May 2023. The scarcity is ongoing, even now, in 2024. Some online pharmacies and uncertified sources are selling compounded versions, which means they mix or alter ingredients to mimic the original drugs. The FDA is concerned about safety since these aren’t approved or verified.
Compounded drugs can be risky because the FDA doesn’t evaluate them for safety or effectiveness. This is important for patients who use and buy Ozempic from Canada for type 2 diabetes or Wegovy for obesity, as they might unknowingly use these unverified versions. Stay informed and consult your healthcare provider before making any changes.
What Are Off-Brand Versions of Ozempic & Wegovy?
The Food & Drug Administration or FDA has raised concerns about compounded versions of semaglutide, which some people are taking as an alternative to the approved medications Ozempic and Wegovy. According to Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a medical toxicologist and co-director of the National Capital Poison Center, these compounded drugs might have contaminants or inconsistent potency compared to FDA-approved options.
Dr. Johnson-Arbor also highlighted that people have gotten seriously ill or even died after taking compounded drugs, which can be risky. Some of these compounded versions of semaglutide were made using salt forms of the drug, such as semaglutide sodium and semaglutide acetate. However, the FDA-approved versions are different and have undergone rigorous testing. The FDA warns that these salt versions might not be safe or effective. The potential health risks are unknown.
Dr. Dan Azagury, a surgeon and associate professor at Stanford Healthcare, cautions that using such products is risky because they might be uncontrolled substances, possibly imported illegally. Without proper regulation, it’s unclear what’s in them, which can be dangerous. It’s crucial to stick with approved medications, especially when dealing with substances like semaglutide, which have specific safety profiles and effectiveness standards. Using unregulated or compounded versions can expose you to unnecessary risks.
Compounded Semaglutide Does Not Meet Rigorous Standards
The Alliance for Pharmacy Compounded recently highlighted that compounded versions of semaglutide should not be sold by compounding pharmacies. While some compounded medications can be legally prescribed and sold, they must meet strict standards. Compounded drugs are sometimes necessary, like when someone has an allergy to a specific dye, according to Dr. Dan Azagury. However, semaglutide is likely only produced by Novo Nordisk, so if they run out, no one else has it.
Dr. David Lebo, a professor of pharmaceutical sciences at Temple University, emphasized that compounding should not replace commercial products like Ozempic unless there are clear reasons for adjustments. These might include altering the dosage, changing the method of administration, or addressing the specific needs of certain groups. It’s important to understand that while compounded medications serve specific purposes, they aren’t a substitute for the rigorous safety and efficacy standards that commercial products adhere to. Using compounded versions of semaglutide without a specific medical reason can expose you to unnecessary risks.
How to Avoid Off-Brand Ozempic and Wegovy
To steer clear of off-brand versions of Ozempic and Wegovy, it’s crucial to get your prescription from a licensed healthcare provider and pick up the medication from a state-licensed pharmacy or an FDA-registered facility. The Alliance for Pharmacy Compounded advises against unreliable online sellers. “If your doctor didn’t prescribe you compounded semaglutide and direct you to a credible pharmacy, be cautious of whoever is selling it,” the Alliance warns.
When buying medication online, make sure the retailer is licensed and regulated & that the drugs come from Novo Nordisk, the original manufacturer. This ensures that you’re getting a legitimate product and not an unsafe substitute. Being vigilant about where you source your medication may save you from potential risks associated with unapproved versions of these drugs. It’s always best to stick with trusted providers to protect your health.
For tips on checking if your online retailer is legitimate, visit the FDA’s BeSafeRx website. Counterfeit versions of semaglutide are often cheaper, so keep an eye out for labels like “not for human use” or “for laboratory use only.” These clues indicate that the drug is intended as a research chemical and not approved for human use, according to Dr. Johnson-Arbor.
If you think you’ve taken or bought compounded semaglutide, report it to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting. Dr. Azagury advises that a certified healthcare professional can help you get the drug safely through the proper channels. If you’re struggling to find semaglutide due to shortages, there are other similar medications available. Dr. David Lebo recommends discussing alternative options with your doctor or pharmacist.
The FDA has warned against altered GLP-1 drugs, like semaglutide, being sold by some retailers. Since May 2023, there’s been a shortage of Ozempic and Wegovy, leading some uncertified sellers to offer modified versions of the drug using salt forms of semaglutide. These salt versions haven’t been properly tested, so it’s unclear how safe or effective they are and what health risks they might pose. Health experts strongly advise against taking fake or compounded semaglutide. As Dr. Dan Azagury put it, “You want to lose weight to improve your health, not jeopardize it by using these drugs.” Staying cautious and using approved medications will help protect your health while working towards your wellness goals. If you want to buy Ozempic online safely and conveniently, then you can order drugs from Canada so that you can stay safe from counterfeit medication.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, the FDA has warned about GLP-1 drugs that resemble Ozempic and Wegovy but are different because they come from online pharmacies and uncertified sources. These compounded drugs are created by mixing or altering medications to mimic semaglutide. The health risks of these compounded versions are unknown, and they may contain contaminants. The FDA cannot ensure the safety or effectiveness of these drugs, especially those made with salt, which haven’t undergone rigorous testing. It’s important to be cautious and stick to medications that are approved and regulated for your safety.