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Mounjaro misuse and counterfeit smuggling spark global health concerns
The use of the diabetes and obesity medication Mounjaro for off-label weight loss is causing significant health and regulatory concerns across Asia and Europe.
In South Korea, authorities have reported a surge in the smuggling of counterfeit Mounjaro, with approximately half of the seizures involving illicit shipments from India. These fake products have been found to contain impurities and inconsistent active ingredient levels. Additionally, due to higher costs in South Korea, some individuals are reportedly purchasing the drug in Japan to bring back across the border.
In Japan, reports highlight the ease with which individuals are obtaining the drug via social media and online clinics for cosmetic purposes without medical supervision. Users have reported side effects such as extreme fatigue and rapid, uncontrolled weight loss.
Medical experts, including biologist Maila Fiorentini, warn against the dangers of self-medication. They emphasize that Mounjaro, which uses the active ingredient tirzepatide, must be prescribed by a doctor following clinical evaluations of liver, kidney, and pancreas function. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress.
Entities
Maila Fiorentini · Mounjaro · Mounjaro · South Korea Customs Service · tirzepatide
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Mounjaro acts as a dual agonist that activates GIP and GLP-1 receptors. www.leinetal24.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.mannheim24.de · www.op-online.de
- [● 4 SOURCES] Mounjaro is an injectable medication containing the active ingredient tirzepatide. www.leinetal24.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.mannheim24.de · www.op-online.de
- [● 4 SOURCES] Nutrition biologist Maila Fiorentini warns against the dangers of self-medicating with Mounjaro. www.leinetal24.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.mannheim24.de · www.op-online.de
- [● 4 SOURCES] The medication must be prescribed by a doctor following a clinical evaluation. www.leinetal24.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.mannheim24.de · www.op-online.de
- [● 4 SOURCES] Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and reflux. www.leinetal24.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.mannheim24.de · www.op-online.de
- [● 4 SOURCES] The drug is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. www.leinetal24.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.mannheim24.de · www.op-online.de