Counterfeit weight loss products claiming to contain GLP-1

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is issuing an updated safety advisory after testing confirmed counterfeit imported weight loss products. These products falsely claim to contain glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists or GLP-1 analogues, posing potential risks to your health. 

This follows an earlier warning related to imported unregistered GLP-1 weight-loss products.

TGA laboratory testing of several imported unregistered products has confirmed that the products contain no GLP-1 or any GLP-1 analogues, despite being labelled as such. 

For your safety, only buy prescription medicines from a local registered pharmacy. Do not buy unregistered GLP-1 products thorough social media or other digital platforms. 

Potential risks to consumers

GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide, tizepatide, liraglutide) are prescription-only medicines in Australia and should only be used under medical supervision.

The products tested by the TGA are considered counterfeit under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 and are not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

Australians currently using products, particularly prescription medicines obtained from overseas or online, should refer to the multiple safety alerts and advisories issued by the TGA and speak with their health professional about the right option for their circumstance to ensure their safety.

We urge consumers to exercise extreme caution when buying medicines and medical devices online including through social media and other digital platforms. 

Using counterfeit GLP-1 products can expose you to serious financial and safety risks. 

Products purchased online or from overseas may:

• be fake
• contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients
• not meet the same standards of quality, safety and efficacy as those approved by us for supply in Australia
• provide no medical benefit, even if labelled as a GLP-1 medicine. 

Counterfeit products cannot be imported under the Personal Importation Scheme. Importing, supplying and/or giving away counterfeit therapeutic goods is illegal and poses a significant public health and safety risk.

Consumer actions

• Do not use any GLP-1 product unless advised or prescribed by a healthcare professional.
• If you have any concerns arising from your use of these or similar products, consult your health care practitioner.
• If you feel unwell or suspect you have had a side effect (also known as an adverse event) to this or a similar medicine, report it to the TGA.
• If you are considering purchasing medicines from overseas, watch this short video on the risks associated with buying medicines and medical devices online.

Recommended actions for health professionals

• Advise your patients of the risks associated with unregistered GLP-1 products.
• Report adverse events involving medicines, including unapproved medicines to the TGA. Your reports help the TGA in identifying previously unknown side effects and emerging safety issues.

Action we are taking

The TGA continues to monitor signals relating to harmful unregistered products and will notify the Australian Border Force to seize and destroy any of these products intercepted at the border. 

Other regulators also work to protect consumers from scams. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and Australian Communications and Media Authority have published guidance and other resources discussing how scams may be addressed.

Report counterfeit medicines and medical devices

If you are worried about counterfeit medicines or medical devices, and you want to report an issue, you can report the matter to the TGA:

Test results

Photos

STDEI GLP-1 Weight Loss Oral Solution 

BuildLeaf - Tirzepatide GLP-1 Herbal Oral Liquid

HHVB GLP-1 Six In-One Health Solution Oral Liquid

EQVP GLP-1 Six In-One Health Solution Oral Liquid

Diapason GLP-1 Seven In-One Health Solution Oral Liquid

BuildLeaf GLP-1 Eight-In-One Fit & Vital Oral Solution

LERCEA GLP-1 Metabolic Balance Oral Ampoules

Croaie Tipoleptide GLP-1 + GIP Weight Management

HHVB-GLP-1 Nano Microneedle Patch

HHVB GLP-1 Moringa Slimming & Health Boost Drops