Mounjaro—and its weight loss counterpart Zepbound—have stepped into the spotlight over the last year thanks to its ability to manage both diabetes and weight. But with that popularity comes a darker side—Mounjaro counterfeit products.
Whether you’re taking Mounjaro for diabetes management or as part of your weight-loss journey, it’s essential to know the risks and how to protect yourself from counterfeits.
Is there “fake Mounjaro”?
Unfortunately, the answer is: yes. Unscrupulous sellers are all too eager to take advantage of the demand, leaving patients at risk with look-alike pens that may not only be ineffective but also unsafe.
In fact, manufacturer Elil Lilly has filed multiple lawsuits against Mounjaro and Zepbound counterfeiters. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and the World Health Organization have also issued reports warning about Mounjaro fakes.
It should be noted that there is a difference between a Mounjaro counterfeit and compounded tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound). Compounding pharmacies are allowed to make compounded versions of medications that are listed as in shortage by the FDA.
Compounded medications come with their own risks, though. They are not regulated by the FDA, so it is important that you do your due diligence when purchasing compounded tirzepatide.
How to know if Mounjaro is fake
Fake Mounjaro products are more than just low-quality compounded medications; they’re designed to look exactly like the real Mounjaro injection pen, right down to the packaging. This means that counterfeit pens may appear genuine at first glance, making it crucial for users to know exactly what to look for to protect their health and safety.
Identifying these fakes isn’t always easy, but knowing the signs can help ensure you’re getting the real, FDA-regulated treatment you need. You can always check through Eli Lilly’s scanner, or you can learn how to spot a fake Mounjaro pen.
How to spot a fake Mounjaro pen
Spotting a fake Mounjaro pen can be challenging, as counterfeiters often replicate the look of the real product with surprising accuracy. There are, however, subtle differences that can help you distinguish a genuine Mounjaro pen from a fake.
- It’s on social media. Prescription medications will never be sold on social media. Eli Lilly has issued a statement saying that they would never provide Mounjaro or any other medication through social media.
- It’s not colorless. The medication is visible on Mounjaro pens and it should be colorless. If it has a pink tinge, then it is a Mounjaro counterfeit.
- It’s not injectable. While there are oral semaglutide medications, there is currently no oral tirzepatide medication.
- It was not prescribed by a healthcare provider. This is a prescription medication. Even if you are going through a subscription service, you will need to get a prescription from a doctor.
- It says “for research purposes only” or “not for human consumption.” Some Mounjaro pens are made for research purposes. These pens will be labeled as such and should not be used to replace the actual medication.
- If it is labeled “generic tirzepatide.” While there are compounded tirzepatide medications, there is no “generic tirzepatide.” If it is labeled generic, then it is a Mounjaro counterfeit.
- The dosage is wrong. The pens should only contain the official doses of Mounjaro: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg.
- There are grammatical errors. If the box or inserts contain spelling or grammatical errors, it is a counterfeit.
- There is no tamper resistant perforation. All Mounjaro boxes/pens include tamper resistant perforation on the packaging.
- The batch number doesn’t match. If the batch number listed on the box doesn’t match the product strength on the box or pen, then it is a Mounjaro fake.
Why is it unsafe to use a Mounjaro counterfeit?
Using a counterfeit Mounjaro pen isn’t just a waste of money; it can be downright dangerous. Unlike genuine Mounjaro, which is FDA-approved and manufactured under strict regulations, counterfeit pens bypass all safety and quality standards. As a result, these fakes can pose serious health risks.
Mounjaro counterfeit pens may contain:
- Incorrect doses
- Ineffective or harmful ingredients
- Dangerous additives
- Bacteria
- High impurity levels
Using one could lead to ineffective treatment, adverse reactions, or even infections. It’s been warned that these fake pens could cause “serious harm.”
Where to get real Mounjaro drug for weight loss
To make sure you’re getting the real Mounjaro for weight loss, do your due diligence. Stick to regulated pharmacies and trusted healthcare providers who can guarantee you’re getting a safe, genuine product.
If you want a hassle-free, trustworthy option, Heally is a great choice—you’ll connect with a qualified doctor right from home, and get brand-name Mounjaro delivered straight to your door.
It’s an easy way to protect your health while ensuring the medication you’re taking is the real deal. Register today.
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