Uncovering the Ozempic and Mounjaro black market | Four Corners
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Published 2024-04-01
Some pharmacists think making their own versions of the injectable drugs is now the answer, and that’s legal when there’s no commercial product available.
But, as Four Corners investigates, the ongoing shortage is leading to an unregulated black market of unlicensed operators and the potential for dangerous side effects.
In this episode, the ABC’s national health reporter Elise Worthington meets patients, doctors and regulators, and follows a trail of faxes to uncover an Australian-based scam illegally exporting the suspect drug internationally.
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All Comments (15)
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I have to wonder what the long term affects will be.
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The government is towing a difficult line here. Compounding is a really important service that specialist pharmacists offer. In a perfect world we may still want those pharmacists to be able to compound drugs like Ozempic because it’s likely that people will be on these drugs for life, and there will be shortages that need to be filled (outside of this current crazy one). We need to think broader than just banning it. Even to ban compounding it now will massively effect so many peoples lives.
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We demonise overweight people for being overweight then some demonise them for using a medication to assist them lose weight. Seems unfair.
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Excellent investigative reporting.
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compounding is great and it has helped me with my pcos/endometriosis (referred by my specialist), it costs half the price of Ozempic. I pick mine up from a pharmacist, not online.
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What about the side effects?!
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very well reported, thoroughly enjoyed this documentary!
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Thank you ABC. You delivery of the facts to the Australian public put you at the top of journalism anywhere in the world... I appreciate your service to Australians and global followers.
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I need the drug to help me with diabetes and can't get the drug to help me
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This story felt very limited in scope. Would have been good to provide some insights into what percentage of people taking these medications for weight loss should be using other methods like lifestyle and diet to control weight and how the massive demand from people trying to lose weight is affecting supply for diabetics for whom these medications are intended in the first place.
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great segment
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This medication is a blessing to the world, when the shortages settle, it will really help obese people and diabetic people.
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Always best to exercise and eat healthy rather than resort to medications😊
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first
