Risks of obtaining prescription medicines and unapproved injectable peptides through unauthorised channels

Consumers who have been buying prescription medicines and unapproved injectable peptides for weight loss or other health purposes from unauthorised sources should stop this practice immediately. Doing so exposes you to serious risk and harm. These unauthorised sources could include overseas sellers, online platforms or even well-meaning friends and family.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has been receiving reports of serious adverse effects such as anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction) and severe vomiting requiring hospitalisation, arising from such purchases and urges the public to exercise caution.

Prescription medicines marketed for weight management

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists (or commonly known as GLP-1 medicines) such as semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide have been increasingly touted as quick fixes for weight loss, especially on social media platforms.

GLP-1 medicines are prescription-only medicines approved to treat type-2 diabetes and/or weight management in obese or overweight individuals with weight-related health problems. They should only be used under the medical supervision of a doctor who will assess whether it is appropriate and prescribe the correct dosage.

When used without medical supervision, these medicines can cause serious harm. Adverse effects associated with these medicines include low blood sugar, liver diseases, eye disorders potentially leading to blindness and inflammation of organs such as the pancreas.

HSA has received reports of individuals who experienced adverse effects such as hospitalisation resulting from severe vomiting after consuming GLP-1 medicines obtained overseas or online without a prescription and medical supervision.

Unapproved injectable peptides or other experimental substances marketed for weight loss or other health purposes

Unapproved injectable peptides which are still undergoing clinical development or clinical trials such as retatrutide and cagrilintide, are being marketed through social media or online platforms for weight loss and muscle gain. These products are at the experimental stage, and have not undergone the rigorous evaluation required before they can be approved for use as medicines. Currently, no regulatory authority, including HSA, has approved their use as medicines.

As these products are still under development, there is limited information on their safety, effectiveness, appropriate dosage and long-term effects. HSA has received reports of individuals who suffered adverse reactions such as anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction), abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting after consuming such substances purchased online. Some of these unapproved products may be marketed under misleading labels such as "research use only" or "not for human consumption" in an attempt to circumvent regulatory controls and avoid being detected, while being promoted and sold to the public.

Consumers should treat such labels as a warning sign, as they imply that the substance has not been evaluated for safety or efficacy in humans and should not be consumed.

Why obtaining these products through unauthorised channels is dangerous

The product may not be suitable for you

Medicines approved by HSA are evaluated for specific uses, based on evidence from clinical studies demonstrating that their benefits outweigh their risks.

Using prescription medicines without supervision by a qualified medical practitioner can cause serious and sometimes irreversible harm. A doctor assesses whether a medicine is appropriate for you based on your symptoms, medical history and use of other medication. Bypassing this process puts you at risk of taking a medicine that may be inappropriate for your condition.

The product may not be safe

Unapproved medicines and substances still under clinical trials carry even greater risks, as there is limited information on safe dosing, long-term effects, and interactions with other substances.  Experimental peptides can affect biological pathways that regulate organ and bodily functions and may impact various organ systems. These risks are not yet fully understood, as these unapproved medicines have not undergone the rigorous clinical evaluation required for medicine approval.

The product may not be genuine or of acceptable quality

Purchasing medicines from unregulated sources also carries significant risks. You cannot be certain where or how these products were manufactured, whether they contain the correct active ingredients or dosages, or whether they contain harmful ingredients or may be contaminated. As a result, the medicine may be ineffective — or worse, harmful to your health.

Protect yourself and stay ALERT

Avoid dubious products: Steer clear of products from unauthorised or unverifiable sources, especially online where you cannot ascertain their origin or contents.

Look for reputable sellers: Obtain your prescribed medicines or injectable products from established and reliable sources such as local retail pharmacies, hospitals and clinics.

Examine claims: Be cautious and wary of health-related claims, whether from online sources, marketers, or even people you know. These are not always reliable, so verify such claims with a qualified healthcare professional or HSA before acting on them.

Report suspicious products: Help protect others by reporting dangerous or dubious products to HSA.

Trust medical advice: If you are considering prescription medicines or injectables for weight management or other health purposes, consult your doctor first. Approved, evidence-based treatments are available, and a qualified medical practitioner can assess what is safe and suitable for you.

HSA monitors local online platforms and e-commerce sites for illegal product listings and will take enforcement action against sellers found to be in breach of regulatory requirements. Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious sale or advertising of medicines by calling 6866-3485 during office hours, e-mailing us at hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg or submitting feedback through our online form at http://www.go.gov.sg/hprg-feedback-form ↗ (opens in new tab).