(WJAR) — We all love a deal.
But when it comes to prescription drugs, a discount could be deadly!
“The odds are you’re not just going to get ripped off – you’re going to put your life and your health at risk,” said Frank Cullen, executive director of the Council for Innovation Promotion.
The Council for Innovation Promotion tracks counterfeits in a lot of industries, but when it comes to consumer safety, Cullen says counterfeit online pharmacies are one of the most dangerous.
“We know of reports where there have been deaths,” warned Cullen.
Popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are in high demand and costly– with many patients paying at least $1,000 a month.
An online pharmacy offering these drugs at half price may seem like the perfect solution.
Cullen said there are more than 35,000 active, online pharmacies.
However, he said the vast majority are operating illegally.
“Ninety-five percent are not in compliance with any kind of applicable laws or regulations or pharmacy safety standards – so it’s a real problem,” said Cullen.
Another problem?
These unregulated online pharmacies are very easy to find.
NBC 10 typed a few words like “Ozempic cheap” and “GLP-1 without a prescription” into Google, and within a few minutes, we found those cheaper alternatives on unregulated websites.
But what’s really in them?
“The real problem is the unsafe conditions that very often these are manufactured in,” said Cullen.
He continued, “They’re made sometimes with everything from paint thinner to different types of components that are literally deadly – even sometimes fentanyl will find itself into some types of these drugs.”
It’s also important to note that shopping on one of these counterfeit sites could put your money or personal information at risk, as well.
If you’re unsure if an online pharmacy is legit, you can look it up at the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s website.
If you suspect an online pharmacy is operating illegally, report it here.