Pharmacies Assist in Identifying Dubious Supplements

Local pharmacists play a crucial role in evaluating the safety and credibility of dietary supplements marketed to consumers. The president of the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists has emphasized the importance of skepticism towards overly promising health products.

In a recent statement, the president warned that consumers should be cautious when encountering health products that seem too good to be true, highlighting the prevalence of fraudulent supplements. He encouraged individuals to critically assess advertising claims and to seek the professional advice available at their local pharmacies.

One such case involved the promotion of 'GLP-1 Patches', marketed as a natural alternative to the prescription medication Ozempic. The Consumer Health Center recently flagged these patches on social media, labeling them as misleading. A fact-check by health consumer advocates revealed that these patches do not contain Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, but rather other substances like Berberine, Glutamine, and Chromium. They cautioned that while Berberine is often touted as a natural weight loss solution, it can cause side effects and may interact with other medications.

Pharmacists have been vocal about misleading health products, with the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists listing several red flags to help consumers identify potentially fraudulent supplements. Warning signs include the availability of products that claim to replace prescription medications without the need for a prescription. Additionally, high prices often characterize these products, which are typically not covered by health insurance.

Consumers should also be wary of claims suggesting that a supplement is superior to conventional medicine, as this could mislead them into altering or discontinuing their established treatment plans without consulting healthcare professionals. The lack of scientific studies supporting product effectiveness can be a significant indicator of untrustworthiness, as sellers may rely on anecdotal evidence or exaggerated testimonials, often found in online forums.

The Consumer Health Center has been proactive in compiling reports of such deceptive products and provides comprehensive information on dietary supplements through its portal, 'Clear Text on Supplements'.