Med Spas Selling Ozempic: Safe and Convenient, or Dangerous?
Below is a summary of the article I contributed to. Read the full article on Woman’s World.
Rising Popularity of GLP-1s: Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have gained immense popularity beyond diabetes treatment, partly due to celebrity endorsements. Med spas now offer these treatments, though risks and legal issues arise when obtained outside traditional medical channels.
Med Spa Affiliation and Safety Risks: Many med spas operate without proper medical affiliation, which may undermine the safety of GLP-1 prescriptions. GLP-1s require medical oversight to avoid serious side effects, as emphasized by experts, including Rachel Goldberg, LMFT, PMH-C, who points out that confusion over dosing and lack of supervision pose significant risks.
Legal Grey Areas and Cost Factors: Due to the high cost of branded GLP-1s through doctors, some turn to med spas, which often offer discounted, compounded versions. However, compounded GLP-1s are less regulated and may lead to quality issues and fraudulent products, especially when purchased online or overseas.
Dosage and Compounded Medications: Miscommunication regarding proper dosing can lead to potential overdoses. Compounded medications, which are less expensive alternatives to brand names, may not meet FDA standards, leading to recalls and safety warnings.
Big Pharma’s Stance: Pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lily are issuing cease-and-desist letters to med spas using their product names with compounded drugs, concerned about consumer deception and associated safety risks. This legal push may inadvertently drive some to unregulated black-market options.
Safety Tips for GLP-1 Users: When choosing a provider, ensure the med spa is affiliated with a licensed physician, conducts a thorough medical evaluation, and uses a legitimate pharmacy for prescriptions. Alternatively, seeking a reputable telehealth provider or consulting a doctor is advised for safer access.
