Sharp rise in illegal medicines in the EU - warning against counterfeit GLP-1 receptor agonists New
In recent months, the number of illegal drugs marketed for weight loss and the treatment of diabetes has risen sharply. These products, often sold through fraudulent websites and advertised on social media, are unauthorised and do not meet standards of quality, safety and efficacy and pose a serious health risk.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) are warning the public about the growing danger of these illegal medicines advertised and sold online as GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide for weight loss and treatment of diabetes in the EU. They may not contain the stated active ingredient at all and may contain other substances in harmful quantities.
The medicines agencies have identified hundreds of fake Facebook profiles, adverts and e-commerce offers, many of which are hosted outside the EU. Some fraudulent websites and social media adverts misuse official logos and use false recommendations to deceive consumers.
The online sale of prescription medicines is prohibited in Austria.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription drugs for serious health conditions such as obesity and diabetes. They may only be taken under medical supervision.
Information on the legal purchase of (non-prescription) medicines from officially registered and authentic online suppliers in the EU.
To make it easier for the public to identify reputable online medicine retailers, the EU has introduced a common logo that appears on the websites of all registered online pharmacies and retailers. By clicking on the logo, buyers can access the national register of authorised distributors. If a website does not have this logo or is not listed in a national register, it is a fraudulent website that is operating illegally.
Here you can report suspicious online websites and potential counterfeit medicines.
Original notification from the European Medicines Agency.
Queries (technical):
Dr Christoph Baumgärtel, Tel.: +43 505 55-36004
E-mail: christoph.baumgaertel@ages.at
Queries (for media):
Communications Management, Tel.: +43 505 55-25000
E-mail: presse-basg@basg.gv.at
