FDA warns vs sale of fake tirzepatide for weight loss

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have warned the public against fake tirzepatide, also known as "tirze," which is being sold in the market allegedly as a weight-loss drug.

“Ang Food and Drug Administration po ay nagbababala sa publiko o sa mga kumakalat na mga peptide o mga kagaya nitong mga tirzepatide na ginagamit allegedly for weight loss,” FDA spokesperson Khay Magundayao said in an interview on Dobol B TV.

(The Food and Drug Administration is warning the public about the proliferation of peptides or products such as tirzepatide that are allegedly being used for weight loss.)

Magundayao urged the public to use the FDA verification portal to check whether medicines are properly registered with the agency.

She added that injectable medications should only be administered with a doctor’s prescription and by licensed medical or health professionals.

“Ito po ay delikado sa kalusugan, lalong-lalo na po kung hindi dumaan sa Food and Drug Administration ang masusing evaluation para po sa safety, efficacy, and quality ng mga gamot na ito,” she said.

(This is dangerous to health, especially if the products did not undergo the Food and Drug Administration’s thorough evaluation for safety, efficacy, and quality.)

Magundayao noted that tirzepatide was originally developed as a treatment for diabetes.

“Ngayon po kung ito ay ating gagamitin para sa weight loss, kailangan po ng masusing advice ng ating mga doktor,” she said.

(If it will be used for weight loss, patients need proper medical advice from doctors.)

She added that the use of tirzepatide requires the necessary medical clearances, including laboratory tests, before it can be prescribed to a patient.

“Hindi po ito binibili online. Yan po ay dapat binibili natin sa mga legitimong establishment o ang mga botika po na rehistrado rin po, meron license to operate mula sa FDA,” she said.

(This should not be purchased online. It should only be bought from legitimate establishments or pharmacies that are properly registered and licensed by the FDA.)—Jamil Santos/MCG, GMA News