As demand for weight loss medications continues to rise, experts warn of potential risks, especially when drugs are purchased online. ABC7 Chicago is investigating how people can access lower-cost, yet safe, alternatives to popular medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.
For those who struggle with high costs—often around $1,500 per month for brand-name drugs—many are turning to alternatives that offer more affordable options. However, not all of these alternatives are safe, and there are concerns over the reliability of online purchases.
Amaria Cage, a Chicago resident, shared her experience of saving $1,000 each month on weight loss medications. She believes she is using a safer approach with a “compounded” weight loss drug, which is a version of medications like Ozempic, made by a licensed compounding pharmacy. Cage has lost 40 pounds over the past year and a half, and she receives her injections at a local med spa under the supervision of healthcare professionals.
“You don’t know exactly what you’re getting online,” said Cage, emphasizing the potential dangers. “They’re not always safe, and they could cause issues.”
Therese Murray, a practice manager and nurse at Luxura, a med spa in Chicago’s South Loop, explained that while some patients may have insurance coverage for brand-name drugs, many choose compounded medications as an alternative. At Luxura, patients are screened, have their blood pressure checked, and undergo lab tests to ensure they are good candidates for the drug.
For those considering compounded medications, Murray advises working with trusted medical professionals and licensed pharmacies. “We screen you; we take your blood pressure, your labs, and make sure you’re a good candidate,” she said.
While alternatives are available, experts warn against purchasing weight loss medications from unregulated online sources. ABC News conducted an investigation into online purchases of semaglutide and tirzepatide, two popular weight loss drugs. Lab tests of 11 samples purchased from three different online sellers revealed concerning results. Six samples contained the correct amount of active ingredient, but one contained none at all. One vendor’s product showed dangerous inconsistencies, with some vials containing more than 250 times the listed potency—posing significant risks of overdose.
Dr. Veronica R. Johnson of Northwestern Medicine cautioned against buying weight loss drugs from unregulated sources, stating, “Use at your own risk. I can’t give any medical advice on something I don’t advocate for.”
One Chicago resident, Mike Benson, learned the hard way about the dangers of unregulated online purchases. In January, Benson bought what he believed to be Ozempic, only to find that it contained insulin—leading to a life-threatening diabetic coma. After being rushed to the hospital, doctors were able to save his life.
“I don’t know that I’ve ever felt that way in my life. I had thoughts that this could be the end,” Benson recalled.
Cage, however, feels confident in her choice to use a compounded drug, provided by a licensed med spa with medical professionals on staff. “In a med spa, I feel comfortable knowing there’s a doctor and a nurse practitioner on staff. They monitor my blood pressure,” she said.
For those seeking brand-name medications or compounded versions, it’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of the supplier. Experts warn that prices that seem too good to be true—especially for brand-name drugs in convenient pens—should raise red flags, as counterfeit products are a significant concern in the unregulated online marketplace.
Related Topics:
How Does Orlistat Inhibit Fat Absorption?
Can Weight Loss Pills Improve Energy?
Weight Loss Pills Vs Weight Loss Tea: What’s the Difference?
