Telangana DCA issues public advisory on weight loss drug

Hyderabad: With the patent for innovator’s Semaglutide products expiring in March 2026, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana has issued a critical public advisory regarding the use of this medication.

The official note from DCA stated that these medicines, commonly sought after for weight loss and Type-2 diabetes, Semaglutide formulations, including multi-dose vials and pre-filled pens, are expected to see a surge in the market from various manufacturers.

Unsupervised use can lead to fatal complications

The DCA, led by Director General Shahnawaz Qasim, IPS, has warned that while demand is increasing, these drugs are ‘Prescription Only Medicines’ belonging to the GLP-1 receptor agonists class.

It should be noted that improper or unsupervised use can lead to life-threatening complications, and hence the government has set strict guidelines for both the public and manufacturers.

The advisory for the public says:

– Medical Supervision Required: Semaglutide formulations must be used strictly under the prescription and direct supervision of a Endocrinologists and Internal Medicine Specialists

– No Self-Medication: The public is strongly advised against self-medicating with these drugs for weight loss or any other purpose.

– Serious Health Risks: Unsupervised use may lead to severe complications, including acute pancreatitis, acute kidney injury, severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions and acute gall bladder disease.

– Professional Evaluation: Endocrinologists and Internal Medicine Specialists must evaluate a patient’s medical history and risk factors before determining the appropriate dosage and duration of the treatment.

– Authorised Sourcing Only: These medications should be purchased only from licensed medical shops against a valid prescription.

Beware of online scams and report misuse, public is told

The public is warned not to procure these drugs through unregulated online platforms, unauthorised sellers or unlicensed channels, as the products may be spurious, substandard or unsafe.

Any instance of illegal sale, unauthorised promotion or misuse of Semaglutide should be reported immediately to the Telangana DCA.

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