Utah’s attorney general weighs in on weight loss drugs – Deseret News

Attorney General Urges FDA to Crack Down on Counterfeit Weight loss Drugs

Attorney General Derek Brown of Utah joined a coalition of 37 other states in urging the Food and Drug Management (FDA) to take stronger action against the sale of counterfeit weight loss drugs. The letter, released Wednesday, calls on the FDA to “ramp up enforcement against any compounding pharmacies that might potentially be illegally participating in the market.”

Brown highlighted the issue’s urgency, stating, “Because of our ‘physical location,’ Utah is dealing with a drug epidemic that includes the danger of buying and selling fake drugs.” The Attorney General emphasized the need for the FDA to “further investigate and protect consumers against all the illegal and deceptive conduct.”

Rising Demand Fuels Counterfeit Market

The surge in popularity of weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, primarily marketed for treating diabetes, has created a breeding ground for counterfeit products. A recent study by KFF revealed that 1 in 8 Americans have used semaglutide, the primary ingredient, for weight loss. This demand has pushed individuals to seek out cheaper alternatives online, exposing them to dangerous risks.

Salvatore Ingrassia, a port director for customs and Border Protection at New York’s JFK Airport, issued a stark warning: “People are really taking a risk by ordering these products online and not knowing the supplier that’s sending it to them.” He added, “We’ve found things like antifreeze and incorrect amounts of active ingredients in these products,” underscoring the severity of the situation.

National Collaboration to Combat Counterfeit Drugs

Though new to his role, Attorney General Brown has quickly taken a leadership position in addressing this national crisis.He currently serves on the executive committee of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), a bipartisan organization encompassing all 56 attorneys general in the United States.

Brown emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation: “There are so many issues where it doesn’t matter if it’s a red state or blue state; it matters.” Through the NAAG, attorneys general from across the country collaborate on critical issues, including combating the sale of counterfeit drugs and ensuring consumer safety.

This collaborative effort reflects the urgency of tackling the counterfeit drug epidemic head-on. By working together, state and federal agencies can definitely help protect consumers from the dangerous consequences of purchasing illicit medications.

How is Attorney General Brown working wiht the NAAG to address the rise of counterfeit weight loss drugs across state lines?

Exclusive Interview: Attorney General Derek Brown on the Fight Against Counterfeit Weight Loss Drugs

Archyde News Editor (AND): Good day,Attorney general Brown. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the pressing issue of counterfeit weight loss drugs.

Attorney General Derek Brown (AGDB): Thank you for having me. This is indeed a critical issue that demands our immediate attention.

AND: LetS dive right in. You’ve recently urged the FDA to crack down on illegal activity. Could you share more about what prompted this action?

AGDB: Absolutely.The surge in popularity of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and wegovy has led to a boom in counterfeit products. We’ve seen an alarming increase in Utah, and we can’t stand by and let consumers live with the risk of ingesting dangerous, unregulated substances.

AND: That’s concerning. What specific steps are you urging the FDA to take?

AGDB: We’re asking the FDA to investigate and disrupt any compounding pharmacies that may be involved in illegal activities. They should also strengthen oversight of online marketplaces and educational campaigns to warn consumers about these risks.

AND: With the rise in demand for these drugs, what can consumers do to protect themselves?

AGDB: First, always purchase from legitimate, licensed pharmacies. Second, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. If the price is significantly lower than usual,it might be a red flag. Lastly, report any suspicious activities to your local law enforcement or the FDA.

AND: You’ve taken a lead role in this national effort, even serving on the NAAG’s executive committee. How crucial is collaboration in tackling this issue?

AGDB: Collaboration is key. This isn’t a problem that’s confined to one state or party. Through the NAAG, we’re able to coordinate efforts, share resources, and keep our collective eye on the ball.

AND: Attorney General Brown, what message would you like to leave with our readers?

AGDB: Our message is simple: don’t gamble with your health. The risks far outweigh the supposed benefits. We’re all in this together, so let’s stay informed, be cautious, and help keep each other safe.