BANGKOK, Thailand – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public warning about the misuse of “weight-loss injection pens” promoted on social media. The FDA cautions that improper use may cause serious side effects and advises the public not to be misled by online claims.
The FDA emphasizes that no drug can safely and sustainably reduce weight without medical supervision. Sustainable weight loss should be achieved through behavioral changes, including diet and lifestyle modifications.
Weight-loss injection pens are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA). In Thailand, these drugs are approved only for treating type 2 diabetes and for weight management in patients diagnosed with obesity, under a physician’s supervision. They are not approved for cosmetic or general weight loss. Improper use may cause rapid weight regain and serious adverse effects, including hypoglycemia, kidney failure, gallbladder inflammation, depression, and muscle wasting, especially in individuals with underlying conditions such as kidney disease, thyroid disorders, or endocrine diseases.
The FDA is proposing to reclassify GLP-1 RA drugs from “dangerous drugs” to “specially controlled drugs.” This change would require a physician’s prescription for dispensing and obligate pharmacies to maintain sales records for regulatory monitoring. Despite ongoing enforcement, cases of misuse are still being reported.
The public is encouraged to report suspicious advertising or illegal sales of health products to provincial public health offices, the FDA hotline (1556), the Facebook page FDAThai, or LINE @FDAThai. (NNT)
