What are the risks of compounded semaglutide?

Compounded semaglutide, which is not FDA-approved, carries risks including potential variability in formulation and dosing, leading to severe complications like pancreatitis and gallbladder injury. There are also concerns about ingredient sourcing and sterility.

Why did compounded weight loss drugs become popular?

Compounded versions of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy became popular due to their significantly lower cost compared to brand-name versions and shortages of the approved medications that began in 2022.

Has the FDA warned about compounded weight loss drugs?

Yes, the FDA has repeatedly warned the public about the dangers of compounded 'knock-off' weight-loss drugs, citing reports of severe injuries and potential deaths linked to these unregulated substances.

Home / Health / Knock-off Weight Drugs: Deadly Risks Exposed

Knock-off Weight Drugs: Deadly Risks Exposed

30 Jan

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Summary

Compounded semaglutide lacks FDA approval and poses severe health risks.
Millions of Americans face dangers from unregulated weight loss concoctions.
FDA reports link compounded GLP-1s to severe injuries and potential deaths.

Knock-off Weight Drugs: Deadly Risks Exposed

Compounded semaglutide, an unregulated version of popular weight loss drugs, is under intense scrutiny due to potential severe health risks. These non-FDA-approved concoctions, often mixed with other additives by compounding pharmacies, have surged in popularity as a lower-cost alternative to brand-name GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Millions of Americans are reportedly using these drugs, which began to gain traction after shortages of the approved versions emerged in 2022.

Experts, including the FDA and the CEO of Novo Nordisk, have cautioned against their use, highlighting risks such as ingredient sourcing variability, potential dosing errors, and compromised sterility. Reports have surfaced linking compounded semaglutide to adverse events, including pancreatitis and gallbladder injury, with the FDA's MedWatch database logging several deaths potentially associated with these substances since 2023. These medications are powerful, and formulation and oversight are critical for patient safety.