COLUMBIA — South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson is one of 37 state attorneys general calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take action against counterfeit weight-loss and diabetes drugs.
In a letter sent to the FDA, the bipartisan group urged the agency to address the rise of counterfeit drugs like Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy. These popular weight-loss and diabetes treatments, known as GLP-1 drugs, are being illegally sold in the U.S., often in forms that could harm consumers.
“The demand for these drugs is growing faster than manufacturers can supply them, leading to dangerous counterfeit products entering the U.S. from countries like China and India,” Wilson said in a statement. “These fake drugs are causing serious harm to people.”
The letter warns that counterfeit versions of these drugs are becoming more common and may contain harmful substances or dangerous dosages. In some cases, using these unapproved drugs has led to hospitalizations.
“The FDA has the expertise and resources to stop this illegal activity and protect consumers,” the letter reads.
According to the National Institute of Health, more than 40% of Americans are affected by obesity. As people seek ways to manage weight, the use of GLP-1 drugs has surged, opening the door for counterfeit drugs.
A May 2024 poll by KFF Health found that 40% of adults with diabetes and 22% of adults who are overweight or obese have used GLP-1 drugs.
“While demand for medications like Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy is high, shortages and high prices have created opportunities for criminals to profit by selling dangerous counterfeit drugs,” the letter states.
Last month, Wilson issued a consumer alert warning South Carolinians not to buy unapproved or compounded medications. Compounded products, which combine multiple ingredients, are not FDA-approved and may be unsafe.
“Buying untested drugs sold with misleading claims is a serious risk to consumers in South Carolina,” Wilson said.
