Illegally Obtained Ozempic Linked to Weight Regain, diabetes Risk & Increased Scrutiny of Sellers
VILNIUS, Lithuania – The increasing availability of Ozempic through illicit channels is raising serious health concerns, with experts warning of potential weight regain, increased body fat, and a heightened risk of developing diabetes. Dr. A.Sujeta, a medical professional, warns that repeated cycles of weight loss and regain with Ozempic can lead to a detrimental shift in body composition.
“If a person is able to lose weight by 15-20 % and then gains this weight back, he will no doubt have more fat, less muscle. weigh maybe less, but fat will be more, muscles will no longer be able to cope with excess glucose and may develop the same diabetes,” Dr. Sujeta stated.
The doctor further compared Ozempic use obtained outside of medical supervision to the use of steroidal preparations, highlighting the unpredictable nature of potential side effects. this has prompted calls for stricter penalties for those illegally selling the medication. “I think we currently have too gentle control of those people who sell drugs illegally,” Dr. Sujeta added.
Currently, illegal sales of Ozempic fall under the purview of administrative law in Lithuania. According to Aistė Tautvydienė,a spokesperson for The State Medicines Control Agency (VVKT),both the seller and the buyer are committing a violation under the code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Lithuania,with investigations being led by the police.
“Persons who buy medicines, not in pharmacies, but at the market, from obscure websites, as well as social networks, primarily thier health and maybe life,” Tautvydienė cautioned.”Such medicines, and possibly their falsifications to Lithuania are brought to Lithuania without the right to engage in this, It is doubtful, but they can be dangerous to their users due to the unavailable quality and efficacy, as well as the possible adverse effects.”
VVKT also emphasized the importance of proper administration of Ozempic,which is designed for subcutaneous injection and requires training from medical staff. The agency further noted that even legally obtained Ozempic has potential side effects and requires specific storage conditions, with its suitability expiring once opened.
“I also want to emphasize that prescription drugs are not a simple commodity and cannot be freely sold without a prescription, as it would endanger human health.In addition, if the resident needs prescription medication, they are prescribed only by a physician who has thoroughly examined the patient and diagnosis,” Tautvydienė concluded.
