Attorney General Alan Wilson has issued a warning to South Carolina residents about the potential dangers of purchasing unapproved and compounded weight loss medications. These products, claiming to contain tirzepatide and semaglutide, are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and pose significant risks to consumers.
Tirzepatide is found in FDA-approved medications such as Mounjaro and Zepbound, while semaglutide is an active ingredient in Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Ozempic. The concern arises from misleading health claims made by some sellers promoting these substances in forms that have not been evaluated by regulatory agencies. These forms include pills, sublingual drops, lozenges or films for under-the-tongue use, topical skin patches, and nasal sprays.
Compounded versions of these drugs sold through various channels like compounding pharmacies, outsourcing facilities, med-spas, wellness centers, online retailers, and individuals on social media do not have FDA approval. Although compounded drugs can be suitable when prescribed by a physician due to lack of access to FDA-approved drugs, they are not reviewed for safety or effectiveness by the FDA.
There is also a risk that some of these products may be counterfeit. Sellers may encourage risky behavior by offering unapproved medications without prescriptions or selling items labeled as “research only,” which should never be ingested.
“Purchasing medication that is untested and being marketed through misleading tactics is dangerous to consumers across South Carolina,” stated Attorney General Wilson.
Consumers are advised to question any product claiming to contain tirzepatide or semaglutide before purchase. Reporting suspected deceptive marketing or unsafe product sales can be done through the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office at 1-803-737-3953 or via email at [email protected].
