Semaglutide Misuse Under Watch: Telangana DCA Issues Advisory After Generic Launch Surge

New Delhi: In response to the growing demand and widespread use of Semaglutide formulations following the patent expiry of innovator products in March 2026, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, has issued a comprehensive public advisory cautioning against misuse and unsupervised consumption.

With multiple companies introducing generic versions such as multi-dose vials and pre-filled pens in the Indian market, the regulator has emphasized that these are prescription-only medicines, strictly to be used under specialist supervision, amid rising concerns over their increasing off-label use for weight loss.

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.

GLP-1 is a physiological hormone that promotes glycemic control via several different mechanisms, including insulin secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing postprandial glucagon secretion. The homeostasis of glucose is dependent on hormones such as insulin and amylin, which are secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas. Semaglutide is 94% similar to human GLP-1. Analogs of this hormone such as semaglutide stimulate the synthesis of insulin by stimulating pancreatic islet cells and reducing glucagon secretion. They directly bind with selectivity to the GLP-1 receptor, causing various beneficial downstream effects that reduce blood glucose in a glucose-dependent fashion.

In hypercholesterolemia, semaglutide is believed to reduce the progression of atherosclerosis via decreased gut permeability and decreased inflammation. Weight loss is believed to occur via the reduction of appetite and food cravings after semaglutide administration.

The Drugs Control Administration, Telangana issues the Public Advisory 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 in March 2026, and considering the increasing public demand for these formulations for Weight Loss and Type-2 Diabetes.

The public is hereby advised as follows:

1. Semaglutide formulations shall be used strictly under the prescription of Endocrinologists and Internal Medicine Specialists, and for certain approved indications, by Cardiologists only.

2. The public is strongly advised not to self-medicate with Semaglutide formulations for weight loss or any other purpose.

3. 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.

4. Endocrinologist / Internal Medicine Specialist shall 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.

5. Semaglutide formulations shall be purchased only from licensed medical shops and only against a valid prescription issued by Endocrinologists and Internal Medicine Specialists.

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

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

Further, the advisory states, "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."

The Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, urges the public to exercise caution and ensure that Semaglutide formulations are used only under proper medical guidance in order to safeguard public health.

To view the official advisory, click the link below: