Wegovy and Mounjaro, both GLP-1 obesity treatment drugs, are being illegally distributed online. Over the past nine months, 949 illegal posts have been identified, promoting overseas direct purchase sites or encouraging personal transactions through social media.
The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) reported on October 6 that it had detected 949 violations of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act related to the online illegal sale, solicitation, and advertising of GLP-1 obesity treatments from January 1 to September 30 this year. The agency has requested the Korea Communications Standards Commission to block access to these posts.
Among the detected cases, 716 posts (75.4%) were related to the introduction of sales sites. This was followed by 129 posts (13.6%) on cafes and blogs, 72 posts (7.6%) encouraging transactions through social media chats, and 32 posts (3.4%) involving personal second-hand sales.
A significant concern is the safety of products traded online. Obesity treatments are classified as prescription medications that should only be used after a doctor's consultation and prescription, followed by dispensing and guidance from a pharmacist at a pharmacy, adhering to specified dosages and methods.
Additionally, users can verify detailed approval information, including efficacy, dosage, and precautions, for domestically approved medications by searching product names and ingredients on the KFDA's Drug Safety Information website. However, purchasing products online bypasses these essential procedures, increasing the risk of misuse.
Products purchased through overseas direct sales may not be approved in South Korea, raising concerns about their safety and efficacy. If the manufacturing and distribution processes are not verified, there is a risk that these products could be counterfeit or substandard. Consumers may find it difficult to receive legal protection, such as recalls or compensation, if they suffer harm from using these products.
Particularly for GLP-1 obesity treatments, proper storage and distribution are critical issues. Some products require cold chain management to maintain appropriate temperatures. Even if products are distributed correctly overseas, issues may arise during transport to South Korea if refrigeration or freezing is not maintained.
The KFDA has urged against the arbitrary use of obesity treatments for cosmetic purposes. It also advised against purchasing or selling these medications through online overseas direct sales or personal transactions.
A KFDA official stated, "Products purchased through overseas direct sales carry risks of being counterfeit or substandard due to unverified manufacturing and distribution processes. Even if harm occurs, it is difficult to receive legal protection such as product recalls or compensation."
Previously, the KFDA, in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Drug Safety and Risk Management, distributed a safety usage guide for GLP-1 obesity treatments to local medical associations and regional drug safety centers across the country. The revised guide includes enhanced safety information for adolescents and pregnant women, covering topics such as the diseases treated by obesity medications, proper dosing methods, storage and disposal, and precautions during administration.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.