These products are often sold via fraudulent websites and advertised on social media. However, they are not authorised and do not meet standards in terms of quality, safety and efficacy.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) are warning the public about the growing danger of these illegal medicines being advertised and sold online as GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide for weight loss and diabetes treatment in the EU. They may not contain the stated active ingredient at all and may contain other substances in harmful quantities.

The medicines agencies have identified hundreds of fake Facebook profiles, adverts and e-commerce offers, many of which are hosted outside the EU. Some fraudulent websites and social media adverts misuse official logos and use false recommendations to deceive consumers.

The online sale of prescription medicines is prohibited in Austria. GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription drugs for serious health conditions such as diabetes and obesity. They may only be taken under medical supervision.

 

Purchase of medicinal products from legitimate suppliers in the EU

To make it easier for the public to identify reputable online medicine retailers, the EU has introduced a common logo that appears on the websites of all registered online pharmacies and retailers. By clicking on the logo, buyers can access the national register of authorised distributors.

If a website does not have this logo or is not listed in a national register, it is a fraudulent website that is operating illegally. Tips on how to buy over-the-counter medicines safely online and a list of registered mail-order pharmacies can be found on the website of the Austrian Medicines Agency.

You can report suspicious online pharmacies here

Original notification from the European Medicines Agency