75 medical shops face action over weight loss drugs Like Ozempic
Hyderabad: In a major enforcement drive to curb the illegal sale of high-demand weight loss medications, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, conducted state-wide raids, as per the official information released on April 23, 2026.
The operation targeted the unauthorized distribution of drugs including Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus (Semaglutide), along with various generic equivalents currently circulating in the market.
Widespread Non-Compliance Detected
The inspections were meticulously carried out across various medical shops in the state with a primary focus on detecting spurious or counterfeit batches of these high-risk drugs.
The teams also scrutinized whether outlets were adhering to the strict regulatory guidelines governing their sale.
75 medical shops violating rules
During the inspections, officials discovered that 75 medical shops were in direct violation of these rules. Consequently, the DCA has issued formal Show Cause Notices to these establishments, initiating immediate departmental action against them.
The Dangers of Unsupervised Use
The crackdown arrives at a time when the “off-label” use of Semaglutide-based injections has surged, fueled by their growing popularity for rapid weight loss. Medical professionals emphasize that these are strictly “prescription-only” drugs, originally formulated for Type-2 diabetes and chronic obesity management.
Health experts warn that using these medications without expert medical supervision can lead to severe adverse effects, including pancreatitis, thyroid-related complications, and gallbladder issues.
The DCA has previously issued strong public advisories warning against purchasing these drugs over the counter. Authorities stress that authentic medications must be acquired only through a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
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