Doctors are urged to advise patients about the dangers of using counterfeit weight loss products amid a safety warning from the drugs regulator.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a safety advisory relating to fake weight loss drugs being imported into the country.
The products falsely claim to contain glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists or GLP-1 analogues, posing potential risks to health.
Laboratory testing of several imported unregistered products confirmed that the products contain no GLP-1 or any GLP-1 analogues, despite being labelled as such.
The TGA is warning patients to only buy prescription medicines from a registered health professional, not through social media or other digital platforms.
Doctors and other health professionals should speak to patients about the dangers of using unregistered or counterfeit medications.
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They should also report all adverse health evets involving medicines, including unapproved medicines, to the TGA.
“Your reports help the TGA in identifying previously unknown side effects and emerging safety issues,” the regulator said in a statement.
The TGA is continuing to monitor the importation of counterfeit products.
The full list of products tested and found to contain no GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogues include:
- STDEI GLP-1 Weight Loss Oral Solution
- BuildLeaf – Tirzepatide GLP-1 Herbal Oral Liquid
- HHVB GLP-1 Six In-One Health Solution Oral Liquid
- EQVP GLP-1 Six In-One Health Solution Oral Liquid
- Diapason GLP-1 Seven In-One Health Solution Oral Liquid
- BuildLeaf GLP-1 Eight-In-One Fit & Vital Oral Solution
- LERCEA GLP-1 Metabolic Balance Oral Ampoules
- Croaie Tipoleptide GLP-1 + GIP Weight Management
- HHVB-GLP-1 Nano Microneedle Patch
- HHVB GLP-1 Moringa Slimming & Health Boost Drops
GLP-1 receptor agonists – including semaglutide, tizepatide, liraglutide – are prescription-only medicines in Australia and should only be used under medical supervision.
Australians currently using products, particularly prescription medicines obtained from overseas or online, should speak with their health professional about the right option for their circumstance to ensure their safety.
The TGA has warned these counterfeit weight loss drugs could contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients, may not meet the safety and quality standards of medication in Australia, may not provide any medical benefit.
Patients are advised not to use any GLP-1 product unless prescribed by a healthcare professional and to consult their doctor if they feel unwell or suspect they have a side effect to these products.
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