The World Health Organization (WHO) has added weight-loss and diabetes drug semaglutide to its Essential Medicines List.
The drug, widely known by its brand name Ozempic, is used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and for long-term weight management.
The drug gained global attention when it emerged that it was being used effectively for weight loss.
Semaglutide, which is also sold under other brand names such as Wegovy and Rybelsus, is among 20 new medicines added to the adult list making it a priority for health systems in about 150 countries.
WHO also added 15 new medicines to the children’s list. Since 1977, the essential medicines list has been a guide for governments when buying drugs, setting insurance coverage, and ensuring supply. It is updated every two years.
“The new editions of essential medicines lists mark a significant step towards expanding access to new medicines with proven clinical benefits and with high potential for global public health impact,” said Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Health Systems.
WHO noted that drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide remain very costly, making it difficult for patients to access them.
“Prioritising those who would benefit most, encouraging generic competition to drive down prices and making these treatments available in primary care – especially in underserved areas – are key to expanding access and improving health outcomes,” WHO said.
Ozempic Use Warning
This comes after the Ministry of Health issued a warning on August 19 against using the drug Ozempic for weight loss.
According to Pharmacy and Poison Board (PPB) Chief Executive Officer Fred Siyoi, the drug is strictly approved for the treatment of adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus.
"The Board wishes to bring to the attention of the public that Semaglutide is a Prescription-Only Medicine and its unsupervised or off-label use may result in serious health outcomes," the board stated.
"In light of the foregoing safety concerns, the public is advised against the off-label use of the medicines and encouraged to report any suspected side effects and poor-quality products through the following official reporting channels of the PPB," it stated.
Acknowledging the increasing popularity of the medication in the country for weight loss, the board cautioned that the use of the drug without the proper medical supervision or prescription might, in turn, result in serious health risks.
Some common side effects of the drug include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), eye conditions, acid (gastro-oesophageal) reflux disease, and intestinal obstruction, which can range from mild to severe, PPB highlighted.
