Amazon & Others Cited for Selling Injectables

Another Amazon warning letter, this time for distributing products apparently intended for injection, such as the “L-Carnitine Body Serum Ampoule.” This is part of a group of at least six warning letters issued to companies selling similar products.

FDA did some good detective work here to determine whether the products were drugs masquerading as body care products.

👉From warning letter. “The QR code sticker on the product package directs to the URL website xxxx, which includes a link to the website xxxx, which redirects consumers to the website xxxx.” This final website then links to social media accounts where they cite claims like “Discover a non-surgical alternative to liposuction that effectively targets and eliminates unwanted fat, giving you the body confidence you’ve been striving for.”

Although it does not seem the companies are explicitly marketing their products as injectables, the packaging and corresponding claims imply the intended use. As more GLP-1 injectable products receive warning letters, this appears to be part of a second wave targeting any type of injectable for fat loss.

We should expect more warning letters like this, especially since other major retailers like Walmart seem to continue to offer some of these products. 

As we’ve discussed before, since Amazon handles (fulfills) the product, they have a responsibility to ensure the products they are distributing are compliant. I suggest everyone read the warning letter footnote that cited Amazon’s product handling. This is a good reminder that product distributors have responsibility and liability. I write more about this here.

According to FDA, Amazon is “responsible for introducing or delivering for introduction into interstate commerce these products, which are unapproved new drugs.”

FDA is rightfully concerned about injectable products being sold on the open market, as they refer to potential safety issues.

👉From warning letter. “These products are especially concerning from a public health perspective because injectable drug products can pose risks of serious harm to users. Injectable products are delivered directly into the body, sometimes directly into the bloodstream, and therefore, bypass some of the body’s key defenses against toxins and microorganisms that can lead to serious and life-threatening conditions.”

Read the warning letter here.

DATE ORIGINALLY POSTED: 3/12/25

Disclaimer: The educational information provided here is for informational purposes only. Contact an attorney for specific legal advice. Rule #1 in compliance is to ensure marketing is truthful and not misleading.