Uncovering the Ozempic and Mounjaro black market | Four Corners

Ozempic and Mounjaro are the semaglutide weight-loss wonder drugs in high demand and short supply.
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.
Note: In most cases, our captions are auto-generated.
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[@StevieCooper]

We demonise overweight people for being overweight then some demonise them for using a medication to assist them lose weight. Seems unfair.

[@kelly78688]

I think it’s even more disturbing that it’s so expensive that most normal people cannot afford it, $700 per month? That’s ridiculous and big pharma is just cashing in on people’s desperation 🙁 it should be accessible for everyone..

[@ash-is-napping]

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.

[@debbimor8003]

I have to wonder what the long term affects will be.

[@quinnnyra8733]

I need the drug to help me with diabetes and can't get the drug to help me

[@kezzam87]

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.

[@anaussieinvietnam]

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.

[@jamesbasman6880]

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.

[@battybethc8061]

What about the side effects?!

[@CheesusCruste]

very well reported, thoroughly enjoyed this documentary!

[@Nina_Olivia]

Excellent investigative reporting.

[@matthewclarke5008]

This medication is a blessing to the world, when the shortages settle, it will really help obese people and diabetic people.

[@daroofisonfire6370]

great segment

[@haritanone6264]

Always best to exercise and eat healthy rather than resort to medications😊

[@thefitnessinstructor8937]

first