Hyderabad: A crackdown on weight-loss drug misuse in Telangana led to action against 75 medical shops after authorities found multiple violations during inspections.
The Drugs Control Administration conducted a statewide enforcement drive on Thursday. It targeted the sale of drugs such as Tirzepatide and Semaglutide, including branded and generic variants.
Officials carried out inspections across several districts. They aimed to detect counterfeit products and ensure compliance with drug sale regulations.
During the drive, authorities identified violations in 75 shops. They issued show-cause notices to initiate departmental action.
Weight-loss drug misuse prompts regulatory action
Officials found several irregularities during inspections. These included the sale of prescription drugs without specialist approval. In addition, some shops failed to maintain sales records and prescription registers.
They also detected cases where medicines were dispensed without a registered pharmacist. Moreover, documentation and record-keeping remained inadequate in several outlets.
The DCA warned the public against weight-loss drug misuse. It stated that such medicines must be used only under specialist supervision, including endocrinologists or internal medicine experts.
Officials cautioned that self-medication could lead to serious health risks. They advised consumers to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies with valid prescriptions. They also urged the public to avoid unauthorised online platforms and unregulated sources.
The crackdown followed rising demand for anti-obesity drugs. This increase came after the introduction of generic versions of semaglutide-based medicines.
Authorities said they would take strict action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and relevant rules.