The Moroccan Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AMMPS) has issued a warning regarding the online sale of medications like Munjaro and Ozempic, noting that these products are often counterfeit and pose a significant risk to public health.
These medications, primarily intended for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, have become a target for widespread misuse for weight loss purposes, leading to their illegal distribution via digital platforms.
Notable medications include Ozempic (semaglutide), Victoza (liraglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Munjaro (tirzepatide), which are typically available in subcutaneous injection pens.
According to international reports, there has been a marked increase in demand for these drugs due to their popularity in weight loss campaigns, consequently allowing criminal networks to sell counterfeit versions online, often without prescriptions or health oversight.
### Escalating International Warnings
In an international effort to combat this issue, the World Health Organization issued a medical alert in June 2024 regarding three batches of counterfeit Ozempic identified in countries including Brazil (October 2023), Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States (December 2023). The organization confirmed that these counterfeit products may lack active ingredients, leading to failure in managing blood sugar levels or weight, or may contain undeclared substances like insulin, exposing users to unexpected risks such as severe nausea, infections, or even death in rare cases.
In a recent development, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressed growing concerns in September 2025 about unapproved and counterfeit GLP-1 medications used for weight loss, highlighting the proliferation of counterfeit Ozempic in the American market. The FDA stated that these versions may contain inaccurate levels of the active ingredient or bacterial contaminants, increasing the risk of serious health issues. The agency also issued warning letters to healthcare companies regarding illegal advertisements for these products.
### AMMPS Position: Strict Ban on Online Purchases
In Morocco, the AMMPS has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding citizens against these risks, emphasizing that purchasing any medication online or via social media is strictly prohibited under Moroccan legislation.
The agency clarified in its latest statement that these medications should be obtained exclusively from licensed pharmacies and with a prescription, ensuring their quality and safety.
“Counterfeit medicines can cause serious harm to patients, including disruptions in blood sugar levels or severe allergic reactions,” the AMMPS stated, indicating that unauthorized sales constitute a legal violation that exposes sellers to strict penalties.
The agency urges healthcare professionals and patients to remain vigilant and report any suspicious cases to the relevant authorities through its official channels. It also stressed the importance of consulting a doctor before using these medications, especially in light of rising global misuse driven by social pressures regarding physical appearance.
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