The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition is concerned and has advised the public to exercise extreme caution when seeking prescription medications, particularly GLP-1 medication. The ministry concern stems from apparent reported abuse of drugs like Ozempic which is used for the treatment of diabetes and weight management.
In a statement the ministry says “we recognize that many individuals are seeking effective treatments to improve their health and wellbeing. However, the Ministry of Health is increasingly concerned by reports of medications, including GLP-1 products and compounded GLP-1 formulations, being offered through establishments and providers that are not licensed Pharmacies.”
The Ministry stressed that prescription medication should only be used under the supervision of a qualified physician or other authorized prescribers. These medicines require a proper medical assessment, the release said, to determine whether they are appropriate, safe, and effective for an individual’s specific health condition.
The ministry has strongly advised that patients consult a licensed physician before starting any GLP-1 medication or other prescription treatment, obtain prescription medications only from registered and licensed pharmacies as per The Pharmacy Act CAP 11.21, and avoid purchasing medications from unlicensed vendors, beauty establishments, social media platforms, or any source that is not authorized to dispense prescription medicines.
Obtaining medications from unauthorized sources, the statements highlighted, “presents significant risks, including the possibility of receiving counterfeit, contaminated, improperly stored, expired, or incorrectly compounded products.” Such products may not meet established standards for quality, safety, or effectiveness and may place patients at serious risk of harm, the release continued.
The Ministry insisted that its main concern is ensuring that patients receive safe, quality-assured medications.
The statement reiterated the call for persons who are considering treatment with a GLP-1 medication, to first and most importantly speak with a physician and obtain the prescribed medication only from a licensed Pharmacy.
The Ministry of Health,Wellness and Nutrition says it remains committed to ensuring that all Saint Lucians have access to safe, effective, and properly regulated healthcare services and medicines.