Learn About Medication with Chula Pharmacy: Risks of Low-Quality Weight Loss Injections

    It's hardly a surprise that most individuals aspire to attain a beautiful, well-proportioned physique. We all recognize that achieving such a figure requires personal effort, without the need to squander vast sums of money. However, maintaining such a physique necessitates self-care, including prudent dietary choices and regular exercise.

    Nevertheless, it's perplexing that many people, despite struggling with excess weight or feeling dissatisfied with their body size, are willing to expend exorbitant sums of money to achieve slimness. These individuals, instead of controlling their diets and embracing exercise, opt for risky routes by purchasing various substances, like medications, dietary supplements, herbs, and more. Many of these products have not passed the rigorous quality assessments of regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Administration, nor have they been prescribed or recommended by medical professionals. Instead, people place their faith in these products based on online reviews from unknown sources, especially self-proclaimed influencers who shape public opinion.

    This has led to a concerning trend of purchasing weight loss pens, with the belief that a simple daily injection can miraculously shed excess pounds. While legitimate and high-quality medications, when used as prescribed, may contribute to weight loss, resorting to subpar or counterfeit alternatives poses significant health risks. Furthermore, individuals who use these drugs without proper guidance, or those who have contraindications or allergies to the medication, are exposed to severe dangers.

    The concept of a "slimming pen" or the frequently discussed "weight loss pen" indeed exists. These pens have specific indications for use and can be medically effective. However, there are numerous unauthorized sellers offering them online, a practice that is both legally and safety-wise incorrect.

    The medicine contained within these pens belongs to the group of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, which extend the sensation of fullness and reduce appetite, ultimately leading to weight loss. Besides weight control, this group of drugs is primarily intended for regulating blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, particularly those who are obese.

    For overweight or obese individuals, the weight loss efficiency achieved through these pens typically ranges from 5% to 10%. To illustrate, if an individual's initial weight is 80 kilograms, most users will lose between 4 to 8 kilograms, a reduction that should be noticeable within three months of medication use.

    However, an internet search by the author unveiled claims suggesting that this medication can lead to a 10-20 kilogram weight loss within a mere four months, a figure significantly higher than what most research reports substantiate.

    There are several reasons why obtaining this medication online is ill-advised. Firstly, the potential benefits do not outweigh the risks for individuals with a body mass index of 30 kilograms per square meter or more, or those with a body mass index of 27 kilograms per square meter accompanied by other health issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and more.

    Secondly, this medication carries a list of contraindications and precautions, including those with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, endocrine system disorders (specifically multiple endocrine tumor type 2), heart failure, chronic gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, gallstones, and individuals taking the anticoagulant warfarin. These conditions must be meticulously evaluated by a prescribing physician.

    Regarding the medication itself, which is administered through pen injections, proper storage is crucial. It must be refrigerated at a temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius before use and should not be frozen. Consequently, obtaining medication from the internet for personal use raises concerns about counterfeit or improperly stored drugs.

    Another crucial aspect highlighted in reviews of weight loss pens is the occurrence of side effects. Many individuals are misled into believing that this medication, which mimics hormones found naturally in the body, is entirely safe. However, every medication carries side effects, including weight loss pens. Common side effects comprise nausea, vomiting, alterations in taste perception, dizziness, weakness, bloating, injection site discomfort, and insomnia. Furthermore, severe side effects, such as drug allergies and acute kidney failure, may arise. This underscores the necessity for close medical supervision when using this medication.

    In summary, weight loss pens can indeed be effective for weight reduction, but only when used in appropriate circumstances. While the risk of adverse reactions is lower compared to previous weight loss medications, it is not completely risk-free. Therefore, those who use this medication must be under the guidance of medical professionals and should not purchase it for personal use, especially from online sources. Weight loss should primarily stem from disciplined dietary choices and regular exercise to not only attain physical well-being but also mental and emotional health.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattada Areepiam and Asst. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwasuwan

Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University