Less than a week since the manufacturer of Mounjaro announced it would be hiking up UK prices, searches for alternatives to the GLP-1 medication have skyrocketed.
In fact, Google searches for 'can I swap from Mounjaro to Wegovy' are up by 5,500 percent since August 14, while others on social media have vowed to stop using the weight loss jabs entirely.
It comes after Mounjaro's manufacturer, Eli Lilly, announced it would be increasing the price of the GLP-1 jabs in the UK by 170 percent, meaning the highest dose would jump from just £122 to £330 per month, directly pricing out a large proportion of people already on the medication in the UK.
Now, doctors are warning Mounjaro users to be vigilant when it comes to looking for more affordable alternatives, over growing fears people will turn to fake jabs being sold on the black market.
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What are fake Mounjaro jabs?
"Fake Mounjaro/GLP-1 pens are unlicensed, black market products that are not supplied through official pharmaceutical channels," NHS GP Dr Aneesha Ahmad, who runs her own weight loss clinics, told LADbible.
"Typically bought over social media platforms with no consultation or medical history taken.
"They are often counterfeit copies of genuine medicines and may contain the wrong drug, incorrect doses, or even toxic substances. Because they are not subject to MHRA, FDA, or EMA regulation, there is no guarantee of their quality, sterility, or safety."
Risk of fake medications
When medications are being sold through unofficial channels, there's no way of knowing they are what they claim to be, or something entirely different. And, even if they are the correct ingredients, the increased risk of contamination means it's impossible to consider them safe.
"Unknown substances could cause serious allergic reactions, infection, or toxic effects," Dr Ahmad continued.
"Because the substances are unknown it may be difficult to treat any side effects or complications such as toxicity as we don't know what we are actually dealing with."
Meanwhile, even if the black market pens do contain the right drugs, incorrect or inconsistent doses could risk severe hypoglycaemia, dehydration, or uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
"Long-term use of counterfeit products could result in organ damage, hospitalisation, or even death," Dr Ahmed said.
Doctors' warning
Doctors are now urging Mounjaro users who might feel priced out to consider their options and avoid buying from anyone who isn't a licensed prescriber.
“In line with the UK price hike of Mounjaro, there is a huge risk that those that may not be able to afford the new costs will seek out alternative solutions, which could include sourcing the jabs at a cheaper cost from unregulated sites," warned Dr Crystal Wyllie from Asda Online Doctor.
“Whilst we understand the frustration patients are feeling regarding costs, we recommend that people exercise caution when it comes to purchasing lower-cost Mounjaro from unregulated sites, as it is more than likely counterfeit.
"This poses a huge risk, particularly to those with pre-existing conditions, as you can’t be 100 percent clear on what the pens contain, and whether the contents are in fact the same as Mounjaro, or a concoction of other, potentially harmful substances."
The biggest danger with black market weight loss medications is the lack of regulation, meaning you have no idea what is actually in them.
At best, it could mean the jabs are ineffective, but at worst, it could be incredibly dangerous and lead to serious illness or even death.
These concerns are echoed by Jason Murphy, head of pharmacy at Chemist4U, who warns that using fake weight loss pens can be extremely dangerous.
"They might contain harmful or unknown substances that can cause serious health problems like allergic reactions or poisoning," he said.
“Since these fake pens are not tested for safety, they often don't work, meaning you might not lose weight and waste money. Relying on counterfeit pens can also delay proper medical treatment, worsening health issues.
“In severe cases, using fake weight loss pens can lead to long-term health problems or even life-threatening situations.”
How to stay safe
The best way to stay safe and ensure that what you're buying is legit is to 'always obtain GLP-1 medications via a licensed prescriber,' Dr Ahmed says.
"Check that the product is dispensed through a registered pharmacy with proper labelling, patient information leaflets, and batch numbers," she added
If you are concerned about the Mounjaro price increases, you should speak to your prescriber and see what your options are, as many people are turning to Wegovy as an alternative.
LADbible has contacted Eli Lilly for comment.
Emma Rosemurgey