Overwhelming demand for transformative GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Mounjaro has led to widespread compounding and a boom in counterfeiting.

Several states are trying to reduce healthcare costs by importing medicine from countries where it costs less, but this is a deeply flawed policy proposal.

Pharmacy Benefit Managers' under-reimbursements make pharmacies perfect targets for counterfeiters—and make the U.S. drug supply less safe as a result.

State Prescription Drug Affordability Boards intend to control medicine costs — but some of their strategies will have unintended consequences.

After two decades of tracking counterfeit drugs, PSM is an expert on medicine safety issues and we often offer journalists our insight and perspective. 

November 18, 2024: Regulators struggle with GLP-1s in the U.S. and abroad

November 18, 2024

Novo Nordisk filed five more lawsuits against businesses selling compounded semaglutide. Dr. Tim Mackey spoke about the dangers of the unregulated semaglutide sales online, and South Africa warned residents about counterfeit Ozempic.

FDA Alert: Dietary Supplement Recalled Due to Presence of Sildenafil and Diclofenac

November 14, 2024

Consumption of products with undeclared sildenafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may cause a significant drop in blood pressure that may be life threatening. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. Among the adult male population, who are most likely to use this product, adult males who use nitrates for cardiac conditions are most at risk.

FDA Alert: Dietary Supplement Contains Drug That Can Cause Heart Attack, Stroke and Internal Bleeding

November 14, 2024

Use of products with undeclared diclofenac may cause increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, as well as serious gastrointestinal damage, including bleeding, ulceration, and fatal perforation of the stomach and intestines. This hidden drug ingredient may also interact with other medications and significantly increase the risk of adverse events, particularly when consumers use multiple NSAID-containing products.

November 11, 2024: Feds pursue companies selling fentanyl precursors

November 12, 2024
screenshot of a product listing on tradeford.com

Another China-based chemical company was indicted for allegedly selling precursor chemicals and xylazine to U.S. buyers as Americans continue to grapple with the toll of counterfeit prescription pills made with dangerous drugs.

FDA Alert: Compounding Pharmacy in California Warned After Particulates Found in Injections

November 5, 2024

On August 14, 2024, FDA received a complaint from a patient who noticed a black particulate in a vial of semaglutide distributed by Fullerton Wellness. On September 23, 2024, FDA received information from California regulatory authorities as part of ongoing collaboration between FDA and the state noting deficiencies found at Fullerton Wellness during a state inspection. After the state inspection, Fullerton Wellness voluntarily ceased operations.

FDA Alert: FDA Reminds Compounders to Use Appropriate and Sterile Ingredients

November 5, 2024

The agency urges manufacturers, including repackagers, to clearly identify any ingredients intended for use in foods or dietary supplements on the label. Providing this information on ingredient labels could help prevent compounders from using ingredients that are not appropriate for sterile drugs and may help prevent patient harm.

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The FTC says PBMs are driving up drug costs. Learn how.

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Fake Ozempic is being sold at Mexican border pharmacies. Learn more.

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