South Carolina – Purchasing unlicensed and compounded tirzepatide and semaglutide medications poses growing risks, according a strong warning issued by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson to Palmetto State residents. Prescribed for weight management and diabetic control, FDA-approved drugs include Mounjaro, Zepbound, Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Ozempic often feature these active components. But fraudulent vendors are saturating the market with illegal forms of these medications, seriously compromising consumer health.
Unregulated and dangerous products
While FDA-approved medications undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy, many unapproved and compounded products claiming to contain tirzepatide or semaglutide do not meet these standards. Though none of these substitutes have FDA approval or evaluation, they are sometimes sold in unusual forms including pills, sublingual drops, lozenges, skin patches, and even nasal sprays.
“Purchasing medication that is untested and being marketed through misleading tactics is dangerous to consumers across South Carolina,” said Attorney General Wilson.
Although occasionally suitable for individuals with unique needs under a physician’s supervision, compounded medications are not FDA approved for safety or effectiveness. Lack of control allows potential harm since these items can be fake, have dangerous ingredients, or be made in inadequate facilities.
Misleading tactics targeting vulnerable consumers
A lot of sellers deceive consumers about their goods by making fake health claims. Some promote them as safe, effective alternatives to FDA-approved medications, while others sell “research-grade” or “research-use-only” products that are not intended for human consumption. Alarmingly, many of these vendors operate without an active prescription, pushing customers to completely avoid medical professionals…