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Rachel V Thomas

India To Strictly Inspect GLP-1 Drugs To Curb Misuse: Govt Flags Risks Amid Weight-loss Hype

India To Strictly Inspect GLP-1 Drugs To Curb Misuse: Govt Flags Risks Amid Weight-loss Hype

GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools that can improve health, but it comes with risks and caveats. While these are medical therapies, they are being misused as cosmetic products by cosmetologists, physiotherapists, dermatologists, among others. 

To curb its misuse and improve public health, the Indian government today issued guidelines on its use, while also flagging risks around it. 

In an official statement issued today, the government has stated that it will roll out stricter inspections to curb the misuse of GLP-1 drugs in the country and will punish those who violate the rules. 

“GLP-1 drugs are a significant medical breakthrough in treating <span>type 2 diabetes</span> and <span>obesity</span>, but they are not without risk. The drugs carry a wide range of side effects - from common symptoms like nausea and vomiting to severe complications including pancreatitis, kidney injury, and bowel obstruction. These risks make it essential that GLP-1 drugs are only taken under the supervision of registered medical practitioners/specialists,” the statement said. 

In the wake of its hype over <span>weight loss</span>, the country's regulatory authorities have taken firm steps to prevent unsupervised use and malpractices in the supply chain. 

It has “strongly advised” patients and the public to” consult a qualified medical specialist before use, and to obtain these medications with prescription only through legitimate, regulated channels”. 

“Stricter inspections and surveillance will continue in the coming weeks. Businesses that break the rules will face license cancellation, fines, and legal action,” the statement said.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/glp-1-drugs-why-india-needs-stricter-rules-now-article-153941444" data-type="tilCustomLink">GLP-1 Drugs: Why India Needs Stricter Rules Now</a> 

<h2>What Are The Side-effects Of GLP-1 Drugs? </h2>

GLP-1 drugs work to keep food in the digestive system for longer – making people feel fuller for longer, thus reducing appetite and inducing weight loss. Hence, the drugs are also prescribed to people with obesity.

However, when done without clinical oversight, it can lead to severe health complications. 

There are various side effects to taking GLP-1 drugs, including nausea and dizziness, to pancreatitis and medullary thyroid cancer. 

<ul><li>Pancreatis </li><li>Thyroid Cancer </li><li>Acute (Sudden) Kidney Injury </li><li>Worsening Diabetes-Related Retinopathy </li><li>Gallstone &amp; Bile Duct Blockage </li><li>Rapid loss of fat in the face </li><li>Wrinkles </li><li>Sunken eyes</li></ul>  

GLP-1 medications may also complicate various health conditions, such as allergic reactions, with shortness of breath and low blood sugar. 

<h2>Rush For Generic Weight Loss Drugs </h2>

The government's advisory comes as patent for <span>semaglutide</span> -- an active ingredient in diabetes and anti-obesity drugs, specifically <span>Wegovy</span> and <span>Ozempic</span> -- expired on March 20. 

This has led to a rush among Indian pharma companies to launch cheaper generic versions, significantly increasing affordability and access for millions battling Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/cdsco-threatens-action-against-pharma-companies-for-promoting-glp-1-weight-loss-drugs-article-153818123" data-type="tilCustomLink">CDSCO threatens action against pharma companies for promoting GLP-1 weight-loss drugs</a>

Major Indian drugmakers who launched their generic semglutide injection in the country in March include Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Zydus Lifesciences, Alkem Laboratories, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories.

Amid the increasing prevalence of GLP-1 drugs, the World Health Organisation (WHO), late last year, acknowledged its role in treating obesity. 

However, it warned that medications like GLP-1 alone will not solve the problem affecting more than one billion people worldwide. 

The global health body also issued conditional recommendations for using these therapies as part of a comprehensive approach that includes healthy diets, regular physical activity, and support from health professionals.

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india-to-strictly-inspect-glp-1-drugs-to-curb-misuse-govt-flags-risks-amid-weight-loss-hype

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ozempic

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semaglutide

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GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools that can improve health, but it comes with risks and caveats. While these are medical therapies, they are being misused as cosmetic products by cosmetologists, physiotherapists, dermatologists, among others.  To curb its misuse and improve public health, the Indian government today issued guidelines on its use, while also flagging risks around it.  In an official statement issued today, the government has stated that it will roll out stricter inspections to curb the misuse of GLP-1 drugs in the country and will punish those who violate the rules. “GLP-1 drugs are a significant medical breakthrough in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, but they are not without risk. The drugs carry a wide range of side effects - from common symptoms like nausea and vomiting to severe complications including pancreatitis, kidney injury, and bowel obstruction. These risks make it essential that GLP-1 drugs are only taken under the supervision of registered medical practitioners/specialists,” the statement said. In the wake of its hype over weight loss, the country's regulatory authorities have taken firm steps to prevent unsupervised use and malpractices in the supply chain. It has “strongly advised” patients and the public to” consult a qualified medical specialist before use, and to obtain these medications with prescription only through legitimate, regulated channels”. “Stricter inspections and surveillance will continue in the coming weeks. Businesses that break the rules will face license cancellation, fines, and legal action,” the statement said.Also read: GLP-1 Drugs: Why India Needs Stricter Rules Now What Are The Side-effects Of GLP-1 Drugs? GLP-1 drugs work to keep food in the digestive system for longer – making people feel fuller for longer, thus reducing appetite and inducing weight loss. Hence, the drugs are also prescribed to people with obesity. However, when done without clinical oversight, it can lead to severe health complications.   There are various side effects to taking GLP-1 drugs, including nausea and dizziness, to pancreatitis and medullary thyroid cancer. Some serious side effects include Pancreatis Thyroid Cancer Acute (Sudden) Kidney Injury Worsening Diabetes-Related Retinopathy Gallstone & Bile Duct Blockage Rapid loss of fat in the face Wrinkles Sunken eyes  GLP-1 medications may also complicate various health conditions, such as allergic reactions, with shortness of breath and low blood sugar.  Rush For Generic Weight Loss Drugs The government's advisory comes as patent for semaglutide -- an active ingredient in diabetes and anti-obesity drugs, specifically Wegovy and Ozempic -- expired on March 20. This has led to a rush among Indian pharma companies to launch cheaper generic versions, significantly increasing affordability and access for millions battling Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Also read: CDSCO threatens action against pharma companies for promoting GLP-1 weight-loss drugsMajor Indian drugmakers who launched their generic semglutide injection in the country in March include Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Zydus Lifesciences, Alkem Laboratories, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. WHO Guidelines on GLP-1 drugs Amid the increasing prevalence of GLP-1 drugs, the World Health Organisation (WHO), late last year, acknowledged its role in treating obesity. However, it warned that medications like GLP-1 alone will not solve the problem affecting more than one billion people worldwide. The global health body also issued conditional recommendations for using these therapies as part of a comprehensive approach that includes healthy diets, regular physical activity, and support from health professionals.

india to strictly inspect glp-1 drugs to curb misuse: govt flags risks amid weight-loss hype

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Health Conditions A-Z

India To Strictly Inspect GLP-1 Drugs To Curb Misuse: Govt Flags Risks Amid Weight-loss Hype

Shift to Plant-Based Proteins, Low-Fat Dairy To Boost Heart Health: American Heart Association

Ozempic And Wegovy Prices Slashed Again In India To Counter Cheaper Generics