Local doctor gives warning about risks of counterfeit Ozempic

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Dr. Amy Illescas, the Owner of Total Care 280, is warning people about the dangers of compounded Semaglatide, also known as counterfeit Ozempic.

According to Dr. Illescas, the compounded drug has been linked to severe heart problems and suicidal thoughts in some patients.

“The FDA came out in a very clear position statement and said ‘this is not ok,’ patients have died from cardiovascular complications that they were not known to have before, and that we believe it’s probably because of additives in the compounds,” said Dr. Illescas.

Dr. Illescas said the drug serves as a counterfeit to Ozempic, a drug used to help treat diabetes. But Dr. Illescas said the counterfeit drug has become a concern in the medical industry as it is often sold by manufacturing companies out of the country, and the ingredients are often unknown.

“Varying amounts of sodium and niacinamide and other things can be added to the drug, and we don’t know how much, so we can’t predict what that might affect a person with,” said Dr. Illescas.

Without proper consultation with a licensed physician prior to its use, Dr. Illescas said the risk is too high and she’s warning people what to look out for.

“If it’s being sold to you out of a doctor’s office that’s an immediate red flag that it’s compounded,” said Dr. Illescas. “If the package you get doesn’t say Ozempic, or Mounjaro or Zepbound or Wegovi, if it doesn’t have the name of the drug on it, that’s another red flag.” said Dr. Illescas.

As of January 2024, the FDA says they are investigating reports of counterfeit Ozempic being sold here in the U.S.

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