Attorney General Kwame Raoul has issued a warning to Illinois residents regarding the purchase of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. The concern arises from sellers advertising these drugs while actually offering unapproved versions that may pose health risks. Raoul advises individuals to secure prescriptions for GLP-1 medications from reputable healthcare providers and fill them at licensed pharmacies.
Raoul's office has sent cease and desist letters to five med spas in the Chicagoland area for misleading marketing practices. These establishments are accused of suggesting they provide brand name or generic GLP-1 medications when they are actually selling compounded drugs. Unlike generic drugs, compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and may present safety concerns as they are often made on-site for individual patients.
"Millions of Americans are looking for help losing weight," Raoul stated. "This month, my office issued cease and desist letters calling on five med spas to stop using language that misleads consumers about the products they are purchasing."
Raoul also noted that some sellers make unsupported health claims and promote formulations not evaluated by regulatory agencies, such as drops or skin patches. The FDA has issued warnings against distributing illegal versions of GLP-1 products. Some variants are sold without prescriptions or intended only for research use.
To avoid potential health issues from fake or compounded products, Raoul encourages consumers to ask specific questions before purchasing GLP-1 medications. Questions include whether the seller offers these drugs without a prescription or if the product is mixed with other chemicals.
Raoul stresses consulting a trusted physician before using GLP-1 medications for weight loss and filling prescriptions at state-licensed pharmacies. He advises checking the FDA’s drug shortage database to determine if a medication is potentially being compounded due to shortages.
Residents should avoid unknown sources when obtaining prescriptions. For online purchases, visit the FDA’s online pharmacy information page for guidance on safe practices.
Illinois residents can report deceptive marketing or unsafe product sales via the Attorney General’s website or by contacting one of the Consumer Fraud Hotlines provided:
1-800-386-5438 (Chicago)
1-800-243-0618 (Springfield)
1-800-243-0607 (Carbondale)
1-866-310-8398 (Spanish-language hotline)