Pharmacists warn against unconscious use of GLP-1 group drugs
Gathering at the Future of Pharmacy State 2026 event held in Istanbul, pharmacists announced that the prescription-free and uncontrolled use of GLP-1 group drugs, which are used in the treatment of Type-2 diabetes, for weight loss purposes poses serious health risks.
Members of the Pharmetic Entrepreneur Pharmacists Association (PGED) drew attention to the dangers posed by GLP-1 group drugs used for weight loss at the 'Future of Pharmacy State 2026' event held at the Istanbul Congress Center.
PGED Chairperson Pharm. Şule Dilek Yağçı Tüysüz stated that these drugs, which are used in the treatment of Type-2 diabetes, are misperceived as 'miracle weight loss injections' and that this situation increases prescription-free, counterfeit, or unsupervised procurement. Tüysüz warned that drugs used outside of physician control could lead to serious health problems such as pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and gastroparesis.
Association members stated that they observed negative effects such as muscle loss and immune system collapse in patients applying to pharmacies. While Pharm. Ayşem Jale Kıhtır emphasized that they are not against the medication, but the uncontrolled use in society is worrying, Pharm. Aylin Özbey and Pharm. Pelin Tuba Fotan Ersoy expressed that the uncontrolled use of these drugs causes serious physical problems and easy muscle loss in the long term.
Sources
- sabah.com.tr · Link