Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration issued a Semaglutide advisory warning against unsafe and unsupervised use of the drug, citing rising demand and availability.
Officials said Semaglutide remained a prescription-only medicine and required strict medical supervision. Doctors must assess patients before starting treatment to avoid risks.
The department directed patients to use the drug only under specialists such as endocrinologists or internal medicine experts. In some cases, cardiologists may supervise treatment. However, authorities warned people not to self-medicate for weight loss or other purposes.
Officials said improper use could lead to serious complications. These included acute pancreatitis, kidney injury, severe gastrointestinal reactions and gallbladder disease. Therefore, patients must follow medical advice strictly.
Semaglutide advisory flags risks and sales violations
The administration directed consumers to buy the medicine only from licensed shops with valid prescriptions. At the same time, it warned against purchases from unregulated online platforms or unauthorised sellers.
Authorities also barred manufacturers from indirect promotions that encouraged off-label use. Officials said such advertising could mislead consumers and increase health risks.
Further, the department asked the public to report illegal sale or misuse of the drug. It stressed that proper supervision remained essential to protect public health.
The advisory was issued in public interest on March 24 by DCA Director General Shah Nawaz Qasim.
Health alert for those in Telangana🚨
The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has issued a critical public advisory regarding Semaglutide (used for Weight Loss and Type-2 Diabetes)
🏥 Prescription is Mandatory
Semaglutide is a Prescription-Only Medicine. It must only be used… pic.twitter.com/9N6lkgDe5a
— IPRDepartment (@IPRTelangana) March 24, 2026
