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Elfina (not her real name) recently joined the Ozempic slimming craze, but chose to bypass the safer, longer route of consulting a doctor and receiving proper medical supervision
Instead, she bought her own supply from a beauty clinic.
At first, she was thrilled.
The results came fast — 3kg lost in just two weeks.
But her excitement soon turned into dread when she noticed clumps of hair falling out.
“I decided to stop for about two months because my hair was falling really badly,” she said.
Elfina, who paid RM1,200 per pen, admitted that she deliberately avoided pharmacies, where strict rules require a doctor’s prescription.
“I paid RM1,200 for a pen, but I didn’t go through any consultation. I got the pen and injected the drug on my own. I also planned my own meal plan — I didn’t get one from a doctor,” she said.
A screenshot of a conversation between the journalist and an online user.
Image via NSTP & TikTok
Seemingly unaware of the risks she was exposing herself to, Elfina said she planned to restart her Ozempic jabs, but this time with added protein in her diet, following advice from others, in the hope of preventing further hair loss.
Elfina, however, was not alone.
Checks on social media found many users openly admitting to buying the pen-like medicine without undergoing proper health screening.
They were unashamed to share tips on how to obtain it while bypassing the need for a prescription.
Some admitted getting their supply from Saudi Arabia via acquaintances, as it was cheaper.
Dozens of videos show users sharing their experiences, prompting a flood of comments from others eager to exchange not only stories and tips on using the drug, but also contacts for where to obtain it.
Nafisa (not her real name), meanwhile, managed only one injection before stopping due to severe bloating.
“It felt like a painful, tight fullness in my upper abdomen, as if I had overeaten, except I had barely eaten anything.”
An online user admitted that she was able to obtain the medication without undergoing a medical check-up, adding that the doctor only explained the side effects of using Ozempic.
Image via SAYS
Nafisa, who has not lost any weight, received her injections at a clinic.
“The doctor suggested a blood test, but I refused because I had already done one last year, so I managed to save some money.
“During the consultation, there wasn’t much (discussion).
“The doctor only gave a brief explanation about the possible side effects,” she said.
Read the complete investigation report here.