As the new year commences, Attorney General Kwame Raoul has issued a reminder to Illinois residents regarding the cautious use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss. These medications include Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. Raoul emphasizes that many sellers are offering unapproved versions of these drugs, which could pose health risks. He advises obtaining prescriptions from trusted healthcare providers and filling them at licensed pharmacies.
Raoul warns against misleading advertisements by med spas, wellness centers, online retailers, and social media sellers who claim to offer name-brand or generic GLP-1 medications but instead provide compounded drugs. Compounded drugs differ from generics as they are not FDA-approved and are made for individual patients who cannot take the FDA-approved form. The FDA allows certain larger pharmacies to compound these drugs during shortages but does not review them for safety or effectiveness.
"Millions of Americans are looking for help losing weight," Raoul stated. "Recently, 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 points out that some sellers make misleading health claims and promote untested formulations like drops, skin patches, and nasal sprays. The FDA has warned against illegal versions being sold without prescriptions or as research-only products unsuitable for human use.
Consumers should ask themselves specific questions before purchasing GLP-1 medications: Is it offered without a prescription? Are consumers encouraged to alter dosages? Is it mixed with other substances? Is it promoted to minors? Does it lack disclosure of side effects? Are there claims about its safety or efficacy?
Attorney General Raoul urges consulting a physician before taking GLP-1 medication and filling prescriptions at state-licensed pharmacies. He advises checking the FDA’s drug shortage database to verify if a shortage exists before purchase.
Raoul encourages reporting deceptive marketing or unsafe product sales via the Attorney General’s website or Consumer Fraud Hotlines.