Counterfeit medicines are a growing risk for U.S. consumers

Americans for Safe and Effective Medicines is warning consumers about counterfeit and unapproved drugs, including fake weight-loss products and illicit online sales, as more Americans buy medication outside traditional pharmacies. The group says the danger is rising because these products can contain the wrong ingredient, the wrong dose or no active ingredient at all.

Why it matters: - Counterfeit and unapproved medicines can cause serious adverse events, including death. - Consumers may have no reliable way to verify what they are getting when drugs come through unverified online sellers, telehealth platforms, wellness clinics or medical spas. - Fake products can contain dangerous contaminants, incorrect dosages, the wrong ingredient or no ingredient at all. - The threat extends to counterfeit versions of familiar drugs, mass-compounded GLP-1 products and unapproved weight-loss medications.

What happened: - Americans for Safe and Effective Medicines (ASEM) issued a warning about the risks of counterfeit and illicit medications. - The group highlighted retatrutide, an investigational weight-loss drug still in clinical trials that has not been approved by the FDA and cannot legally be sold. - ASEM said one in five Americans has been deceived into buying counterfeit medication. - Fred Mills, Jr., ASEM’s chief policy officer and a compounding pharmacist, said counterfeit and knockoff medications can put consumers at risk of serious harm.

The details: - Counterfeit medications can look nearly identical to legitimate products, making visual identification unreliable. - Products marketed as “research-grade” can create a false sense of safety. - Products promising dramatic results can also mislead consumers. - Sellers that do not require valid prescriptions are a red flag. - ASEM advised consumers to fill prescriptions only through licensed pharmacies. - ASEM also told consumers with questions about a medication to consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider. - More information is available on ASEM’s website.

Between the lines: - The warning reflects a broader shift in how people are obtaining medications, especially through digital and nontraditional channels. - Weight-loss drugs are a particular flashpoint because demand is high and unapproved versions can spread quickly through online and clinic-based sales. - The emphasis on appearance is important because counterfeit drugs may not be easy to spot without pharmacy oversight.

What's next: - ASEM is pushing consumers to be more skeptical of products sold outside licensed pharmacy channels. - The group is encouraging people to verify prescriptions and seek professional advice before taking unfamiliar medication. - Public awareness efforts are likely to continue as counterfeit and unapproved drugs circulate online and through private clinics.

The bottom line: - The safest path is still the simplest one: use licensed pharmacies, verify prescriptions and avoid products that promise fast results without proper medical oversight.