The Union Health Ministry issued a notice on Tuesday, March 24, over the supply chain of Weight Loss Drug (GLP-1), highlighting that the Drugs Controller of India has intensified surveillance against the unauthorised sale and promotion of these drugs.
The latest notice comes weeks after an advisory was issued to all manufacturers, prohibiting surrogate advertisements and any form of indirect promotion that could mislead consumers or encourage off-label use of these drugs.
The Ministry reflected on the concerns regarding the availability of such weight loss drugs through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers, and wellness clinics, with the recent introduction of multiple generic variants of these drugs in the Indian market.
In the current context, the country's drug controller, along with state regulators, has introduced a series of actions to curb possible malpractices across the pharmaceutical supply chain and prevent unauthorized sales and use, the Ministry said.
Recently, enforcement activities were significantly intensified with audits and inspections being conducted at 49 entities, including online pharmacy warehouses, drug wholesalers, retailers, wellness, and slimming clinics.
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These inspections were conducted in multiple regions across the country to primarily identify violations related to unauthorised sale, improper prescription practices, and misleading marketing. Additionally, notices have been sent to defaulting parties, the Ministry said.
Health Ministry's Warning On Use Of GLP-1
It further warned that the regulatory surveillance will be intensified in the coming weeks, and non-compliance will be dealt with strictly, with actions such as cancellation of licenses, penalties, and prosecution under applicable laws. "These drugs, when used without proper medical supervision, may lead to serious adverse effects and related health risks," the Health Ministry said.
"The misuse of weight loss drugs without clinical oversight can lead to severe health complications. Citizens are advised to use such medications only under the guidance of qualified medical practitioners," it added.
The Health Ministry re-emphasised that the drug has been approved in India with the condition of prescription by endocrinologists and internal medicine specialists, and for some indications by Cardiologists only.
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