As an Dr. Adam Lukachevitz, I don’t prescribe medications like Ozempic or Wegovy. But more and more of my patients are taking them. And sometimes, the sources of these medications are murky.

GLP-1 medications, originally developed for diabetes, have become extremely popular for weight loss. When prescribed by a qualified doctor and filled through a legitimate pharmacy, they can be a safe and effective part of treatment. The problem is, the market for these drugs has expanded faster than the systems meant to protect patients.

Earlier this month, the FDA issued a warning about counterfeit Ozempic circulating in the U.S. These fake products aren’t just ineffective; they could be contaminated, dosed incorrectly, or missing the active ingredient entirely. And yet, they’re being promoted aggressively—often through polished ads on social media and flashy websites.

The bigger concern is how this is happening. Patients aren’t necessarily seeking out dangerous products. They’re being sold a false sense of security. Companies are advertising “affordable” GLP-1 injections without making clear that these are unapproved, unregulated, and in some cases imported illegally. A prescription after answering a few questions online isn’t real medical care. A clinic with no licensed pharmacist mixing injectables isn’t a real pharmacy.

Compounding pharmacies are part of this, too. Compounding has a valid place in medicine, but some operations are now producing GLP-1 drugs at scale using unapproved ingredients and without meeting basic safety standards. That’s not specialized care—it’s a way to sidestep regulation, and it puts patients at unnecessary risk.

Ensuring access to these medications for patients is important. But injectable medications that affect blood sugar and metabolism aren’t casual products. They need to be made right, prescribed right, and dispensed right.

If you’re considering these medications, the best protection you have is to see your regular doctor and have a real conversation about the risks and benefits. And if you are prescribed these medications, don’t use a website from a Facebook ad – use your local pharmacy and pharmacist down the street.

Dr Adam Lukachevitz is a board-certified foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon from St. Vincent’s Orthopedics.