Several Ohio medical spas including two in the Mahoning Valley were sent letters by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's office regarding alleged false or misleading claims on their versions of name brand weight loss drugs.

Zinni Family Practice in Canfield, along with Youngstown Medical Weight Loss in Youngstown received letters warning them to stop making false or misleading claims on their custom-made variations, otherwise known as compounded drugs, of Semaglutide and/or Tirzepatide.

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are the active ingredients in name-brand medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro.

According to a press release from the AG's Office, the businesses are incorrectly suggesting that these compounded versions are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and just as safe as the name brand versions.

The AG's Office is reminding consumers that compounded drugs are not FDA approved, meaning the FDA has not tested them for safety and effectiveness and these versions may not meet the same standards as the name brand versions.

Yost's office further reminds consumers that compounded drugs are not the same thing as generic brand drugs, which are also FDA approved and are held to the same standards as the name brand versions.

"People deserve clear and accurate information about the medications they're putting in their bodies. We're reminding businesses that being truthful isn't just a good business practice - it's the law," Yost said.

21 News received comment from Elizabeth Zinni, Owner of Zinni Family Practice, who released the following statement on Wednesday:

"As the owner and provider of a family medical practice, I am fully committed to transparency and patient care. Our practice offers compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, which are clearly communicated to our patients as not FDA-approved. These medications are dispensed by a licensed 503A compounding pharmacy, and we ensure that all patients are carefully monitored and evaluated in person on a monthly basis.

We provide comprehensive informed consent to each patient, ensuring they understand the risks, benefits and alternatives associated with their treatment.

Patient safety and ethical care are my top priorities, and I am fully committed to ensuring that our practice adheres to the highest standards of medical practice."

21 News has also reached out to Youngstown Medical Weight Loss for comment and we are waiting to hear back.