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Transdermal "Natural GLP-1" Dietary Supplements Violate Law and Place Patients at Risk
C Michael White1, Zeeya Tai1, Klaus Nuzi1
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Storrs, CT, USA.
Abstract:
Consumers precluded from obtaining semaglutide or tirzepatide by clinicians or insurers are turning to natural "GLP-1" transdermal patches. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act specifies dietary supplement products must be swallowed, so all these products are illegal. We identified 24 transdermal patch dietary supplement products and 1 transdermal gel product with an average of 7 ± 4 natural ingredients (berberine, glutamine/glutamate, cinnamon, and pomegranate most listed). No certificates of analysis were posted, many products lacked the Food and Drug Administration disclaimer, and many products used deceptive advertising. Several products had 1- to 2-star reviews and consumer comments suggesting lack of efficacy or adverse events.
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