ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

Fraudsters Capitalize on the Growing Demand for Ozempic

Consumers need to be aware that this medication is highly sought after to the point where there are nationwide shortages.
PUBLISHED FEB 8, 2024
Cover Image Source: Pharmacy Scams | Pexels | Photo by cottonbro studio
Cover Image Source: Pharmacy Scams | Pexels | Photo by cottonbro studio

As the demand for prescription medications rises amidst convenience-driven shopping and digital advancements, a concerning trend has emerged: the proliferation of pharmacy scams. These deceptive practices, aimed at exploiting consumers seeking medication, have not only led to financial losses but also facilitated the rise of Ozempic fraud

Image Source: Pexels|Photo by Pilan Filmes
Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Pilan Filmes

Ozempic, a popular medication used in the treatment of diabetes, has become a focal point for fraudsters seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for pharmaceuticals. Classified within the GLP-1 receptor agonist drug family, Ozempic is primarily used in managing type 2 diabetes. It helps the pancreas boost insulin production, effectively curtailing sugar production by the liver and thereby reducing blood sugar levels.

Administered via injection, this drug not only helps manage diabetes but also contributes to weight management. The frequency of injections—either once a week or once every two weeks—is contingent upon the prescribed dosage determined by healthcare professionals. It is imperative to adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, schedule, and instructions. Common side effects of the drug include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite, while severe complications, such as pancreatitis or allergic reactions, may also occur.

In this photo illustration, boxes of the diabetes drug Ozempic rest on a pharmacy counter on April 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Ozempic was originally approved by the FDA to treat people with Type 2 diabetes- who risk serious health consequences without medication. In recent months, there has been a spike in demand for Ozempic, or semaglutide, due to its weight loss benefits, which has led to shortages. Some doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label to treat obesity.|Getty Images|Photo illustration by Mario Tama
Image Source: Ozempic | Getty Images | Photo by Mario Tama

The use of Ozempic for weight loss has garnered significant attention, particularly among health enthusiasts eager to shed excess pounds. However, experts caution against resorting to injecting drugs or steroids for weight reduction. It's important to recognize that the actual cost of a monthly pack of Ozempic injections exceeds $1,000. Despite this, fraudulent healthcare providers are falsely claiming to offer the same drug for just $275 per month.

Consumers need to be aware that this medication is highly sought after to the point where there are nationwide shortages. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a stern warning to citizens, urging them to exercise caution when encountering deals that seem too good to be true. Such offers may be indicative of scams and have previously resulted in substantial financial losses amounting to thousands of dollars.

Image Source: Photo by Thirdman | Pexels
Image Source: Photo by Thirdman | Pexels

Impostors, whether individuals or healthcare companies, employ deceptive tactics to entice victims with low prices for expensive medications. Ben Spradling, the Communication Manager at the BBB, believes that stores offering Ozempic at significantly reduced rates may very well be scams, and it's important to steer clear of them.

These scams pose serious risks, as purchasing from fraudulent sources can grant them access to personal information, bank accounts, and even medical records. The perpetrators are experts at coaxing victims into compromising their devices, resulting in substantial financial losses and additional healthcare expenses through the distribution of counterfeit Ozempic injections.

Image Source: Pexels|Photo by Gustavo Fring
Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Gustavo Fring

Spradling emphasized the importance of not solely relying on online agencies offering medications at discounted rates, as this could lead to serious health risks and adverse side effects. He pointed out that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve the cheaper version of Ozempic sold in stores. Moreover, the FDA has seized several units from online pharmacies.

When purchasing drugs online, it's essential to conduct thorough research and verify the authenticity of websites and providers before making any transactions or consuming the medicine.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
Grant Cerwin sent an email to Craig Jelinek asking if Costco could donate one of the famous 93-inch teddy bears for his middle school fundraiser in LA.
7 hours ago
The man said that his girlfriend often tosses clothes into the washing machine without checking their pockets.
16 hours ago
The A-list actor was extremely happy with the food and blessed her and her family.
18 hours ago
The video has gone viral and people are responding with their own scary experiences at ATMs.
19 hours ago
The organization asked Simmons' employers to send a deserving candidate and they nominated her.
21 hours ago
A "gift from God," Otha Anders started collecting pennies after he found one lying on the ground.
1 day ago
Perks of the job also include year-long subscriptions for all major streaming services.
1 day ago
The TikToker turned out to be a philanthropist who has dedicated his life to make dreams come true.
1 day ago
The parents were surprised when they found a note written in response to the child's gesture.
1 day ago
The woman got an email that looked authentic with the transaction platform's logo at first.
2 days ago
The child was putting items in the shopping cart but then suddenly started unloading it.
2 days ago
The man was finally able to pay off his debt and spend time with his family in Florida after years.
2 days ago
The guest got emotional since the family hadn't seen much wealth for generations.
3 days ago
Apart from the hip-hop legend, NBA star Kyrie Irving was another celebrity among the donors.
3 days ago
Jaime Siminoff, whose pitch was rejected by all but one shark, walked out without a deal. He returned to the show as a millionaire investor.
4 days ago
Actor Charlie Sheen is most known for his role on syndicated tv show 'Two and a Half Men.' How much are reruns paying him?
5 days ago
Others commented sharing their own experiences with salespeople pestering them.
5 days ago
The woman said that Jelly Roll's music had inspired her to overcome bullying and alcoholism.
5 days ago
Jaden became the youngest millionaire in the history of e-sports after his performance at the tournament.
6 days ago
The woman had been struggling financially as her parents were old and she had to care for the toddler.
6 days ago