Zuellig Pharma, Medical Authorities Warn Against Illegally Compounded Tirzepatide Sold Online

Zuellig Pharma is urging consumers not to purchase Tirzepatide or similar prescription medicines from social media platforms, unauthorized online sellers, or other unregulated sources due to the growing concerns over the sale of the illegally compounded medication.

In a statement issued recently, Zuellig Pharma said patients who are unsure about the authenticity or source of their medication should speak to their doctor or pharmacist immediately.

“Tirzepatide is a prescription-only dual receptor agonist of GIP and GLP-1 (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes. The prescribed drug, which was recently approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration, is developed by Eli Lily and Company and currently marketed locally and exclusively by Zuellig Pharma, under the brand name Mounjaro,” Zuelling Pharma said in a statement.

Several medical societies have also issued public health advisories warning the public of the unforeseen health risks associated with illegally compounded Tirzepatide, including the Philippine College of Physicians, the Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation Inc. and the Alliance of Clinical Endocrinologists Philippines Inc.

Here are the key risks identified from illegally compounded Tirzepatide

• Improper dosing: Without regulatory oversight, incorrect dosages may lead to severe adverse effects.
• Impurities and contamination: Testing by Lilly has identified unknown impurities in compounded products, particularly those mixed with substances such as vitamin B12, which may trigger harmful chemical reactions2.
• Lack of safety and efficacy data: Compounded Tirzepatide products have not undergone clinical trials or regulatory evaluation required by authorities, such as the Philippines’ FDA.
• Unforeseen health risks: Compounded products can introduce unknown risks to patients due to their lack of safety, effectiveness, or quality assessments.

Consumers are advised to consult licensed physicians before starting any treatment; purchase medications only from authorized pharmacies and distributors and avoid buying prescription drugs from social media or unverified channels

Healthcare professionals are reminded to prescribe only FDA-approved treatments and educate patients on the risks of unregulated medications.

Zuellig Pharma, alongside the Philippine College of Physicians, and the Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation Inc. reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring patient safety through access to approved, evidence-based therapies and continued collaboration with regulators and the medical community.