Tagged: prescription drugs Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 4, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Mounjaro, , , prescription drugs, , Trulicity   

    Dangers of Buying Ozempic Online 

    Dangers of Buying Ozempic Online

    By Greg Collier

    The rise of social media marketplaces has brought convenience to millions, allowing users to buy and sell just about anything from their mobile devices. But beneath the surface of these platforms lurks a troubling and dangerous trend. People are illegally reselling prescription medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro through places like Facebook Marketplace. This black-market trade isn’t just risky for your health, it’s outright illegal.

    Here’s why buying prescription drugs through platforms like Facebook is not only illegal but also potentially life-threatening.

    Let’s be clear, reselling or buying prescription medications without proper authorization is illegal. In New York, those caught selling prescription medications like Ozempic can face up to 15 years in prison. Buyers, although typically subject to lighter penalties, can still be slapped with misdemeanors, fines, and potentially jail time.

    So, why would people take such risks? Desperation and the lure of lower prices fuel this underground market. A legitimate month’s supply of Mounjaro can run between $1,000 and $1,200, but some sellers on Facebook Marketplace offer it for less than half the price. For many people struggling to afford their medications, it may seem like a shortcut, but it’s a dangerous one that could cost far more than the money saved.

    The dangers go far beyond the legal risks. Prescription medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Trulicity are intended for specific medical conditions like Type 2 diabetes and must be closely monitored by healthcare professionals. These medications are not meant to be used casually for weight loss without proper oversight.

    Here’s where things get hazardous. The medications you’re buying online could be counterfeit or tampered with. Sellers can alter doses, repackage medications, or store them improperly, resulting in a product that might not only be ineffective but harmful.

    Even if you are lucky enough to get the real thing, buying from an unregulated source means you’re missing out on the critical medical supervision that should accompany these drugs. Weight loss medications like Ozempic can lead to serious side effects, including gallstones, muscle loss, and osteoporosis. Short-term issues like nausea and dehydration are also common. More importantly, patients on these drugs need regular monitoring to ensure that the treatment is effective and not causing harm.

    Another crucial consideration is that these medications are not meant for short-term use. They require ongoing treatment and supervision. Once you stop using them, there’s a good chance you’ll regain most, if not all, of the weight lost. Patients need to be monitored for side effects and require a doctor’s guidance to manage the complexities of these treatments.

    When you’re buying prescription medications from an unknown seller online, you forfeit this safety net. The seller isn’t going to care about your long-term health or whether you’re experiencing side effects. You’re on your own, with your wallet and potentially your health at risk.

    Even more worrying is the rise of bad actors on platforms like Facebook who use tactics like misspelling drug names or using nicknames to bypass automated compliance checks. While Facebook and other platforms actively remove illegal listings, sellers are constantly finding ways to stay one step ahead.

    These platforms might seem reputable, but buying prescription drugs on social media is no different from buying them off the street. There’s no way to guarantee what you’re getting, and you may not even know the correct dosage or volume of the medication you receive. It’s a dangerous gamble, with your health hanging in the balance.

    While the appeal of a cheaper supply of prescription drugs may be tempting, the risks are far too great. Buying medications like Ozempic through platforms like Facebook Marketplace exposes you to severe legal penalties and puts your health at serious risk. From counterfeit drugs to a lack of medical supervision, the consequences of such a decision could be life-altering.

    Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any prescription drug. There’s no shortcut to good health, and when it comes to your well-being, cutting corners can lead to devastating consequences.

     
  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 16, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , prescription drugs, ,   

    TikTok is no place to buy Ozempic 

    By Greg Collier

    In recent years, the weight loss industry has witnessed a dramatic surge in the popularity of prescription medications like Ozempic. Originally developed to manage diabetes, these drugs have gained a reputation for their significant weight loss benefits, leading to skyrocketing demand and consequent shortages. Unfortunately, this booming market has also attracted the attention of scammers, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok, where unscrupulous operators are exploiting vulnerable consumers by offering these drugs at lower prices and without the necessary prescriptions.

    Investigations by online safety experts were conducted from February through April, have unveiled a troubling trend. Researchers scrutinized dozens of TikTok profiles that purported to sell weight loss drugs such as Ozempic. The investigation revealed a shocking reality. Nearly every transaction was a scam. These scams often employed misleading testimonials and before-and-after photos to lure unsuspecting buyers. However, all these claims were fabricated, designed to prey on individuals desperate to lose weight.

    Researchers said it was not difficult to find several dozen operators offering Ozempic. In every case that they found, they were scams. Despite assurances of authenticity and acceptance of payments through services like Zelle, PayPal, and Venmo, no products were ever delivered to the buyers.

    It was determined that there are three main risks associated with this scam. Firstly, consumers are defrauded of their money. Secondly, there is a danger of receiving counterfeit drugs, which can be harmful. Lastly, even if the genuine drug is obtained, using it without a doctor’s supervision can be dangerous.

    The allure of rapid weight loss can drive individuals to take risks, but the rise of scams on social media highlights the need for caution. Consumers must remain vigilant, verify the legitimacy of sellers, and consult healthcare professionals before using prescription medications.

    For years, online pharmacies have promised convenience and affordability, enticing countless consumers with the allure of easy access to medications. However, this seemingly modern solution harbors a longstanding, insidious threat. Many of these online pharmacies operate as dangerous scams, preying on unsuspecting individuals by selling counterfeit, expired, or mislabeled drugs. The consequences are dire, ranging from ineffective treatment to severe health complications. As the digital marketplace for pharmaceuticals continues to expand, it’s imperative to recognize the enduring dangers these scams pose and take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from their harmful impact.

     
  • Geebo 8:31 am on January 4, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , prescription drugs,   

    Online Ozempic sales pose a threat to consumers 

    By Greg Collier

    Ozempic is a brand name medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is typically used in conjunction with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

    During clinical trials for Ozempic’s approval for diabetes treatment, researchers noted that participants experienced weight loss as a side effect. This observation prompted further investigation into the potential use of Ozempic specifically for weight management.

    Some healthcare professionals may prescribe medications off-label, meaning for a purpose other than what the drug was initially approved for. This has led to a rush on Ozempic prescriptions for patients who do not have diabetes, and only want the medication for quick weight loss. However, Ozempic has not been officially approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration for weight loss. This has led to a shortage of the medication, which is negatively affecting diabetes patients.

    When a drug like this becomes popular, especially for the sake of vanity, scammers and counterfeiters will try to separate those seeking the drug for its off-label effects from their money. This is a scam that is as old as the internet. If you were online during the late 1990s and early 2000s, you probably had your spam folder flooded with offers for cheap Viagra. While we haven’t seen offers for Ozempic in our inboxes, they have been posted all over social media and less reputable online marketplaces.

    If someone were trying to buy Ozempic from a fraudulent service, the odds are they would pay their money and get nothing in return. In a worst-case scenario, consumers could receive any kind of concoction they would end up injecting into their systems.

    Some of these phony services even go as far as having the buyer undergo a virtual consultation with one of the scammers posing as a doctor.

    Even if someone were to receive an actual shipment of Ozempic, if they’re not using it under a real doctor’s care, the effects could be devastating. Using too much Ozempic could lead to hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, and kidney injuries, just to name a few.

    These scam services are also having their customers pay through some of the usual avenues preferred by scammers, such as payment apps like Venmo and cryptocurrency.

    Ozempic, like any prescription medication, should only be used under the direction of your physician. Using medications without proper medical supervision can be risky and may lead to adverse effects.

    Self-prescribing or obtaining Ozempic without a prescription can pose serious health risks and is not recommended. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable and safe approach to weight management.

     
  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 13, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , prescription drugs, , ,   

    Scam Round Up: Door to door prescription scam and more 

    Scam Round Up: Door to door prescription scam and more

    By Greg Collier

    Today, we’re bringing you three more scams happening around the country that could easily show up in your area.

    ***

    With the weather being warmer, even with rising gas prices, more people are taking to the roads. This has allegedly led to a resurgence of the car warp scam. This is when scammers promise their victims they can make money by wrapping their car in advertisements. While there are legitimate offers for this, the majority of them online are scams. The car wrapping scam is just another avenue for the fake check scam. The scammers send victims a fake check they’re supposed top deposit into their bank account and then use the remainder of the check to pay an ad agency who provides the wrap. The supposed ad agency is part of the scam as well. The victim almost always ends up being held responsible for the full amount of the check to their bank.

    ***

    Unfortunately, another elderly victim was recently targeted in yet another computer virus scam. The Massachusetts woman was using her computer when a message said that her device had been compromised. The message contained a phone number that claimed to be from Microsoft and that she would need to call it to have her computer fixed. This number did not go to Microsoft, but instead went to what is essentially a call center for scammers. They instructed her to take $30,000 out of her bank account and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM. Luckily, police were able to intervene, and the woman got her money back. Keep in mind with this scam that companies like Microsoft don’t usually take phone calls, and no computer repair is worth $30,000.

    ***

    Lastly, we have a story out of Oklahoma City, where authorities are warning about a particularly frightening scam. Law enforcement there are saying that people there are posing as pharmacy employees and going door to door asking residents for expired medication. These are not pharmacy employees, and they are looking for narcotics. If someone comes to your door asking for expired prescriptions, you may want to contact your local police. If you do have expired prescriptions, especially if they’re opioids, you can take them to many pharmacies which do have drug disposal programs. It is also recommended that you can dispose of them in the trash if you mix them with something unpleasant like used cat litter or coffee grounds.

    ***

    Hopefully, these scams won’t come to your area, but if they do, you’re now better prepared for them.

     
  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 1, 2019 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , prescription drugs   

    Will Canadian drugs reduce healthcare costs? 

    Will Canadian drugs reduce healthcare costs?

    If you’ve been following healthcare news for the past few years you’ve no doubt heard the stories of skyrocketing prescription drug costs. Whether it’s the life-saving EpiPen, alleged price-fixing between pharmaceutical manufacturers or exorbitant fees for insulin it hasn’t been the best time for consumers who rely on any kind of prescription medication. The current pharmaceutical market seems to be stifling innovation and competition for the sake of larger and larger profits while many Americans continue to go without their medication. Now the Trump Administration, of all people, is proposing a new way of reducing the cost of prescription drugs.

    President Trump is said to be drafting a proposal that would allow the U.S. to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada. As of right now, it’s illegal to import any drugs from foreign countries. Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders also approves of importing prescription drugs from other countries as it would increase competition and lower prices.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ORDlaiikH4%5D

    As you might imagine, the pharmaceutical industry opposes this move as they feel it would undermine the safety of US patients. However, it’s not like Canada doesn’t have a world-class healthcare system. Not only that but the drugs that would be imported would be limited to only drugs that are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The new proposal would also likely face challenges in the court as the pharmaceutical lobby does have deep pockets.

    While this new proposal would be welcome by many Americans struggling to pay for their medications, it unfortunately will not take place overnight. However, it is encouraging to see that in these trying political times that both sides of the aisle are willing to work toward a common cause that could actually benefit the American people.

     
c
Compose new post
j
Next post/Next comment
k
Previous post/Previous comment
r
Reply
e
Edit
o
Show/Hide comments
t
Go to top
l
Go to login
h
Show/Hide help
shift + esc
Cancel