From Virtual Pharmacies to Real Danger: Morocco Warns Against Counterfeit Medicines
The Moroccan Agency for Medicines and Health Products has sounded the alarm regarding the spread of dangerous drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity, which are sold online without medical authorization. The agency warns of serious risks that may threaten consumer health due to the circulation of counterfeit or adulterated products.
In an official statement, the agency clarified that the drugs in question belong to the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), including well-known products such as “Ozempic” (semaglutide), “Victoza” (liraglutide), “Trulicity” (dulaglutide), and “Mounjaro” (tirzepatide).
It added that these drugs are being illegally marketed through social media platforms and websites, primarily for weight loss purposes, while they are actually intended for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and are subject to strict prescription guidelines.
The agency emphasized that using these drugs from untrustworthy sources could lead to serious health complications, noting that some samples circulating online have been found to be counterfeit or adulterated.
This Moroccan warning comes in the context of similar international alerts, as the World Health Organization reported in 2024 the detection of counterfeit batches of “Ozempic” in several countries, including Brazil, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned in September 2025 about the spread of counterfeit versions of the drug in American markets.
The Moroccan agency urged citizens to purchase medications exclusively from licensed pharmacies within the country, warning against buying any pharmaceutical products online or through social media networks, and stressing the importance of reporting any suspected cases to the relevant authorities.
