Monroe County, MI – Residents are being warned Tuesday about a growing public safety threat involving counterfeit injectable medications marketed for diabetes management and weight loss.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, illegally imported injectable drugs that do not meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration safety and sterility standards are being sold across the United States, including in Michigan. Authorities say the products often appear similar to legitimate GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide but may be substandard, contaminated, or entirely fake.
Sheriff officials caution that these counterfeit drugs are frequently sold through unlicensed providers, online sellers, and some med spas, placing users at serious risk for infection, adverse reactions, and other health complications.
The warning comes as demand continues to surge nationwide for injectable weight-loss and diabetes treatments. Investigators say that demand has created opportunities for illegal distributors to flood the market with non-FDA-approved products that bypass proper manufacturing and storage requirements.
The sheriff’s office urges anyone currently taking injectable medications for diabetes or weight loss to confirm the drug is prescribed and administered under the supervision of a trusted physician and obtained from a licensed, brick-and-mortar pharmacy.
Health officials recommend avoiding medications advertised at unusually low prices, products lacking proper labeling, or injections sold without a valid prescription. Residents experiencing unexpected side effects after using injectable medications are advised to seek medical care immediately.
More information about counterfeit weight-loss drugs and tips on how to identify suspicious products is available through a national consumer health report published by Good Morning America.
Residents with concerns about illegal medication sales are encouraged to report them to local law enforcement or health authorities.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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