Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana has advised the general public not to self-medicate with semaglutide formulations for weight loss or any other purpose and use it strictly under the prescription and direct medical supervision.

“Semaglutide formulations shall be used strictly under the prescription and direct medical supervision of Endocrinologists and Internal Medicine Specialists, and for certain approved indications, by cardiologists only,’’ the DCA said in an advisory on Tuesday.

The public advisory was issued in view of the approval of semaglutide formulations (such as multi-dose vials, pre-filled pens, etc.) of various companies for marketing in the country following the patent expiry of the innovator Semaglutide products last week in view of the increasing public demand for these formulations for weight loss and Type-2 diabetes.

Semaglutide formulations are prescription only medicines. These medicines belong to a class known as Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists, which help regulate blood sugar levels and body weight by acting on specific receptors in the body.

“Improper or unsupervised use of Semaglutide may lead to serious health complications, including acute pancreatitis, acute kidney injury, severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions, acute gallbladder disease, and other adverse reactions,’’ the DCA said. 

The endocrinologist / internal medicine specialist should evaluate the patient’s medical history, existing health conditions, and potential risk factors before prescribing Semaglutide formulations and shall determine the appropriate dosage and treatment duration, it said. 

“Semaglutide formulations should be purchased only from licensed medical shops and only against a valid prescription issued by Endocrinologists and Internal Medicine Specialists,’’ DCA said.

The public has also advised not to procure Semaglutide formulations through unregulated online platforms, unauthorised sellers, or unlicensed channels, as such products may be spurious, substandard, or unsafe.

Any instance of illegal sale, promotion, or misuse of Semaglutide formulations may be reported to the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana.

“Further, manufacturers are strictly prohibited from issuing surrogate advertisements or engaging in any form of indirect promotion that may mislead consumers or encourage off-label use of the product,’’ it said. 

Published on March 24, 2026