COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — You’ve likely heard of well-known GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy but some individuals are opting for specially made, compounded alternatives.
Now, the state’s top legal official is cautioning the public, stating consumers have the right to truthful, transparent information about the substances they’re using for weight management.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is raising red flags about weight loss drug promotions at several medical spas across the state. He said that at least 14 med spas in Ohio may have shared misleading information about compounded versions of popular weight loss medications.
In a press release, Yost listed the 14 medical spas that received the warning; four of them are based in central Ohio.
Yost also explains that the compounded versions of name brand drugs like Ozempic, Zepbound and Wegovy are not FDA approved and that, “People deserve clear and accurate information about the medications they’re putting in their bodies.”
A local health director said the warnings should also serve as a reminder for patients.
“I think the responsibility is always on the patient to know what they’re getting, you know, even if it’s a regular FDA approved pharmaceutical,” Dr. Tom Sonnanstine, medical director of Bariatric Surgery OhioHealth said. “I think it’s important that they know that that compounding medication is not FDA-approved and it’s not necessarily formulated, compounded in the same environment or with the same standards that you will see the drug company manufactured drug.”
Yost issued letters to the following med spas:
- Beneficial Health
- Docere Medical and Aesthetic Center
- Glow Medispa
- Jiva Med Spa
- Limelight Laser and Medical Spa
- Live Well Chiropractic & Medical
- New Pathways Clinic
- Ohio Weight Loss & Wellness Clinic
- Personalized Vitality Clinic
- Restore Hyper Wellness OH
- Summit MedAesthetics
- TrueForm Health and Wellness
- Youngstown Medical Weight Loss
- Zinni Family Practice
The four spas based in central Ohio are:
Jiva Med Spa – 1127 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215
Live Well Chiropractic & Medical – 6 Medical Dr, Chillicothe, OH 45601
New Pathways Clinic – 7275 Sawmill Rd, Dublin, OH 43016
Restore Hyper Wellness OH – 4158 Easton Gateway Dr, Columbus, OH 43219
The Attorney General’s office is also urging Ohioans who believe they have been victims of deceptive advertising to file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Section at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or by calling 1-800-282-0515.