Coloradans warned of counterfeit weight-loss drugs, more Health Headlines | Western Colorado

“The populations that reside in Clifton and Fruitvale do not have immediate access to health care,” Marillac Board Chairperson Dan Prinster said.

The 27,000-square-foot health center, 512 29½ Road, will offer medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services. The cost of services is often determined via a sliding scale, which considers the patient’s income, household size and insurance coverage.

With its opening set for late summer, the public campaign dubbed “$100K in 100 Days” aims to secure critical funds relatively quickly. If the campaign is successful, Marillac will have about 70% of its anticipated campaign expenses; or, nearly $15 million of its $21 million goal.

Those interested in donating can visit MarillacHealth.org to contribute.

Amid a measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, a Texan child died from the virus last Wednesday, marking the country’s first measles death in 10 years.

With that development, and the approaching spring break travel season, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is urging residents to ensure they are properly vaccinated “against the highly contagious disease.”

Beyond the well-known rash symptom, measles can result in permanent hearing loss, brain damage, respiratory failure and death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals infected with measles are contagious four days before any rashes present. The CDC also reported that if one person has measles, nine out of 10 individuals in their vicinity will be infected — unless they are vaccinated.

The CDC monitored 16 measles outbreaks, resulting in 285 infections, throughout 2024. Nearly 90% of those infected were unvaccinated and 40% of last year’s cases resulted in hospitalization.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine has a proven efficacy of 97% protection when both doses are received. That said, child MMR vaccination rates have dropped by nearly 10% across Colorado (between 2012 and 2021).

CDPHE recommends all children without immunity receive a vaccination, with eligibility starting at one year of age.

CDPHE also recommends any unvaccinated adults, or those who received an “inactivated” measles vaccine prior to 1968, to get the immunization.

The department said in a press release that adults unsure of their vaccination history should still consider getting the MMR immunization, as an additional dose does not have any proven consequences.

37 attorneys general, including Colorado AG Phil Weiser, are urging consumers and the Food and Drug Administration to be vigilant about contaminated or counterfeit weight loss and diabetes drugs.

Specifically, GLP-1 injections (Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro) have become the focus of international scammers and loosely regulated pharmacies as the genuine products’ sustained popularity has led to high prices and increased shortages.

The AGs’ concerns primarily revolve around counterfeits produced in countries like China and India that were integrated into the U.S. supply chain. In some cases, the drugs are simply repackaged insulin, which ironically can cause weight gain.

There have also been several instances where fake products were contaminated or had a dangerous concentration of the active ingredient, which can result in serious health risks and hospitalization.

Consequently, the coalition of AGs insisted the FDA increase enforcement around scammers and partner with the Department of Homeland Security to intercept the counterfeits before they reach consumers.

The AGs also urged the FDA to increase its regulation enforcement of compound pharmacies and online retailers.

Weiser’s press release said online retailers are selling the drug’s active ingredient (obtained from unregulated, undisclosed sources) directly to consumers, without a prescription. Oftentimes, the customer must use the active ingredient to formulate the injection themselves, which the AGs’ letter blamed for a rise in semaglutide overdoses.

Compound pharmacies legally manufacture and sell weight loss drugs. However, versions produced by compound pharmacies have been found on occasion to contain high impurity levels or bacterial contamination.

The AGs wrote in their letter that the FDA must ensure these facilities are more closely monitored for safe, sanitary production.

Health Headlines is a Sentinel feature compiled by Jace DiCola, health and wellness reporter. Email him at [email protected]