Sleekly designed websites. Incredible markdowns. A simple online search for semaglutidethe active ingredient in Ozempic or Wegovy, can lead consumers down a rabbit hole of seemingly reputable online pharmacies in search of weight loss medications at a reduced price. The temptation is obvious to many Americans, but some of those deals come with potentially deadly costs.
According to a 2023 KFF study, American consumers pay higher prices for weight loss medications than any other country in the world. However, cheaper alternatives online are not always what they seem.
“People are really taking a risk by ordering these products online and not knowing which supplier is sending it to them,” said Salvatore Ingrassia, port director for Customs and Border Protection at JFK Airport in New York.
CBP agents are on the front lines, intercepting counterfeit drugs flowing into the country. These include imitations of popular slimming drugs.
Customs officials gave CBS News a rare glimpse into their operations, showing off seized goods wrong brand or counterfeit medications. For two days, agents seized products from Israel and Bangladesh, among others. One shipment of suspected counterfeit Wegovy was hidden in a children’s Mickey Mouse puzzle.
Although these counterfeit medications may look legitimate, they often contain dangerous substances.
CBS News
“We found things like antifreeze and incorrect amounts of active ingredients in these products,” Ingrassia says.
In September, customs agents at the Port of Cincinnati inspected 63 shipments of apparently counterfeit and unapproved medications. This included several boxes of counterfeit Ozempic, Wegovy and Trulicity injections. Other drugs, including Botox and minoxidil, used for hair growth, were also seized by authorities.
The FDA is taking action
The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings to several online pharmacies suspected of selling counterfeit products. The letters demand that the sites stop selling products that violate FDA standards or face legal action. Despite their efforts, a quick Internet search by CBS News in September 2024 revealed that these websites continue to operate or redirect users to other sites offering these questionable medications.
The Food and Drug Administration told CBS News it cannot comment on enforcement actions.
The health problems of counterfeits
The health risks are real. Novo Nordisk reported that one counterfeit pen contained the diabetes drug insulin. The user was hospitalized after administering the fake pen.
Authorities have arrested individuals involved in the sale of counterfeit medicines, including: Long Island woman suspected of selling misbranded Ozempic online. The woman pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been released on parole. Court documents show one victim reported lesions and infections after using the medication.
Former Chicago-area FDA investigations director Ricki Chase, an expert in detecting counterfeit products, is warning consumers to remain vigilant.
“When you buy a drug that legitimately costs thousands of dollars for just $65, you should be asking questions,” she said.
What can consumers do?
Chase recommends that consumers purchase these medications only with a prescription from reputable pharmacies. Genuine weight loss medication pens should have unique identification codes and proper labeling.
If the label is bleed or appears misaligned, it is likely counterfeit. Uneven glue seams, batch numbers with crooked printing and cheap-looking colors are also signs that the products may be counterfeit, according to Chase.
Ultimately, she believes the best defense is to use good judgment.
“Don’t jeopardize your health trying to get healthy,” she said.
Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy, said in a statement to CBS News: “It is important that patients are aware that Novo Nordisk is the only company in the US with FDA-approved medications that contain the main ingredient semaglutide contain. has not approved any generic versions of semaglutide.”
Eli Lilly, makers of Mounjaro and Zepbound, which are also used for weight loss, told CBS News: “Lilly has taken steps to help educate people about the risks of counterfeit, counterfeit and unsafe or untested products, by lilly.com/ real drug that contains a tool to help you determine if you have a genuine Lilly product.
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has sent out a Safe Site Search Tool that allows users to verify whether a website selling medications has been vetted. You can also view a list of current websites accredited by the NABP here.
Tom Hanson
