A woman who operated two weight loss clinics in the Pittsburgh area is facing federal charges for allegedly giving animal medication to her human clients. Nicole Millen has been charged with a misdemeanor count of drug mislabeling and is expected to plead guilty in federal court on November 18.
Millen ran weight loss programs out of two locations: Renu Medical and Weight Loss in Scott Township and Choice Restorative Medicine on McKnight Road. Authorities allege that she was not a licensed veterinarian, doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant, yet she consulted clients, developed weight-loss plans, and dispensed medication as part of those plans.
The drug at the center of the case is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone sometimes used in weight loss treatments. However, the version Millen allegedly provided was not intended for human use. According to prosecutors, she sourced a veterinary formulation of HCG called Chorulon, which is used primarily to treat fertility issues in cattle.
Chorulon’s labeling clearly states that it is “for animal use only” and must be used under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Despite this, Millen allegedly directed clinic staff to draw the drug into syringes, dilute it, and distribute it to customers without disclosing that it was not approved for human use.
Court documents state that Millen referred to the drug simply as “HCG,” omitting any mention that it was a veterinary product. Her clients were reportedly unaware they were receiving a drug formulated for animals.
The case has raised serious concerns about safety and transparency in unregulated weight loss clinics. If convicted, Millen could face penalties under federal law, although the charge is classified as a misdemeanor.
