South Carolina – Purchasing unlicensed and compounded tirzepatide and semaglutide medications poses growing risks, according a strong warning issued by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson to Palmetto State residents. Prescribed for weight management and diabetic control, FDA-approved drugs include Mounjaro, Zepbound, Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Ozempic often feature these active components. But fraudulent vendors are saturating the market with illegal forms of these medications, seriously compromising consumer health.
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Unregulated and dangerous products
While FDA-approved medications undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy, many unapproved and compounded products claiming to contain tirzepatide or semaglutide do not meet these standards. Though none of these substitutes have FDA approval or evaluation, they are sometimes sold in unusual forms including pills, sublingual drops, lozenges, skin patches, and even nasal sprays.
“Purchasing medication that is untested and being marketed through misleading tactics is dangerous to consumers across South Carolina,” said Attorney General Wilson.
Although occasionally suitable for individuals with unique needs under a physician’s supervision, compounded medications are not FDA approved for safety or effectiveness. Lack of control allows potential harm since these items can be fake, have dangerous ingredients, or be made in inadequate facilities.
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Misleading tactics targeting vulnerable consumers
A lot of sellers deceive consumers about their goods by making fake health claims. Some promote them as safe, effective alternatives to FDA-approved medications, while others sell “research-grade” or “research-use-only” products that are not intended for human consumption. Alarmingly, many of these vendors operate without an active prescription, pushing customers to completely avoid medical professionals.
Sometimes vendors advise clients to reconstitute or dilute the drugs themselves, break apart pharmaceutical pens or vials for illegal administration, or combine the active ingredients with other drugs—activities that seriously jeopardize their health.
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Questions to protect yourself
Attorney General Wilson encourages consumers to be vigilant and ask critical questions before considering products claiming to contain tirzepatide or semaglutide. If the answer to any of the following is “yes,” it’s a red flag:
- Is the product offered without a prescription or healthcare provider supervision?
- Is it labeled as “research-use-only” or “not for human use”?
- Does the seller encourage unsafe handling, such as diluting or reconstituting the product?
- Is the product in non-approved forms, such as lozenges, nasal sprays, or skin patches?
- Are sellers making unsubstantiated claims about safety or efficacy?
These questions are critical for safeguarding consumers from products that could result in adverse health consequences.
The dangers of counterfeit medications
Using items made from counterfeit or compounded tirzepatide and semaglutide has significant risks. Without appropriate control, one cannot be sure whether these items are even useful, free of toxins, or contain the right dose. For those with diseases like diabetes, depending on these goods rather than FDA-approved drugs can cause major side effects.
To advertise their goods, deceptive sellers sometimes use social media, internet marketplaces, and med-spas. They might also support dishonest behavior, such as faking medical records to get drugs. These strategies undermine public confidence in reputable healthcare systems in addition to endangering individual patients.
What consumers can do
Residents are advised by the Attorney General’s Office to document any suspected misleading marketing or sales of dangerous products. Reports can be made by calling 1-803-737-3953 or emailing [email protected]. Fighting the growing number of harmful, unapproved drugs depends on consumer awareness.
Additionally, consumers are advised to:
- Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before purchasing or using any medication.
- Purchase medications only from FDA-approved sources or licensed pharmacies.
- Avoid products that make extraordinary claims or seem too good to be true.
What to do
Attorney General Wilson’s warning serves as a crucial reminder of the dangers posed by unregulated medications. Residents of South Carolina are advised to remain informed and cautious while negotiating the health product market. Maintaining one’s health calls for effort; the Attorney General’s Office continues to be committed to preserving the welfare of every South Carolinian.
South Carolina wants to stop the explosion of dangerous tirzepatide and semaglutide products by increasing awareness and encouraging responsibility. Relying exclusively on approved and regulated drugs is not just a question of compliance but also of life and health.
