People searching for an affordable way to lose weight with a GLP-1 drug may come across products marketed as “GLP-1 patches” online.

They’re advertised as helping to reduce cravings, control appetite and support weight loss.

Consumers may think they’re getting a blockbuster GLP-1 drug like semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy — or tirzepatide — the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound — in a format that’s applied to the skin.

But experts warn that’s not the case.

There are currently no GLP-1 medications that can be absorbed through the skin, says C. Michael White, head of the department of pharmacy practice at the University of Connecticut. The drugs have large molecules that make that very difficult, if not impossible, he notes.

“The dietary supplement

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