Medicine expert warns about dangers of ordering counterfeit weight-loss drugs [Video]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – In the past few years, most people have undoubtedly heard a lot about drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy being used for weight loss.

The popularity is leading to a concerning trend with a surge in counterfeit drugs in the market.

Health experts say some people are trusting information they see online without verifying it, and are ordering products from third-party sellers like e-commerce sites and med-spas. The products are not legitimate and if injected can cause serious issues.

Just last month the World Health Organization put out a Medical Product Alert to warn consumers about fake weight-loss drugs.

Shabbir Imber Safdar, a counterfeit medicine expert with the Partnership for Safe Medicines talked about the dangers of the fake drugs.

He said illegitimate versions of weight-loss drugs may contain harmful substances, incorrect dosages or inactive ingredients. He also said compounded versions of the medications do not undergo the same scrutiny and regulations as those going through an actual Ozempic factory.

“If you get …