Semaglutide Misuse Under Watch: Telangana DCA Issues Advisory After Generic Launch Surge The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) in Telangana has issued a public advisory to address concerns over the misuse and unsupervised use of Semaglutide formulations following the patent expiry of original products in March 2026. The advisory comes amid a surge in the availability of generic versions of the drug, including multi-dose vials and pre-filled pens, which have led to increased public demand for weight loss and diabetes management. Semaglutide, a Prescription Only Medicine, belongs to the class of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists. These drugs regulate blood sugar and body weight by interacting with specific receptors in the body. GLP-1 is a hormone that aids in glycemic control through mechanisms such as insulin secretion, slowed gastric emptying, and reduced postprandial glucagon release. Semaglutide is 94% similar to human GLP-1 and works by stimulating pancreatic islet cells to produce insulin while reducing glucagon secretion. It binds selectively to GLP-1 receptors, leading to glucose-dependent reductions in blood sugar levels. The advisory highlights that Semaglutide is approved for specific medical conditions, including Type-2 Diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, where it may reduce atherosclerosis progression by lowering gut permeability and inflammation. Weight loss is attributed to appetite suppression and reduced food cravings. However, the DCA warns against its use for off-label purposes, such as weight loss, without medical supervision. The advisory outlines key guidelines for the public, emphasizing that Semaglutide should only be used under the prescription of Endocrinologists, Internal Medicine Specialists, or Cardiologists for approved indications.#semaglutide #dca_telangana #glp_1_receptor #type_2_diabetes #hypercholesterolemia
