Yassin Ragai, an advisor to the head of the Drug Authority in Egypt, confirmed that the authority has only approved two types of slimming injections so far.
A spokesperson for the Drug Authority warned against the circulation of unregistered slimming drugs or products promoted online, stressing that approved slimming injection drugs are relatively new, and that the Authority has only approved two types of slimming injections so far, and that products circulating on social media and electronic platforms cannot be considered safe or approved simply because they are being promoted online.
He stressed the need to ensure that any drug is registered with the Egyptian Drug Authority before using it, explaining that the consumer can verify the product’s registration through the Authority and ensure that there is a clear registration number on the package.
He stressed that any product that does not have a registration number, or is sold outside of pharmacies and authorized channels, poses a risk to the user, calling for avoiding weight loss products of unknown origin or unregistered.
He noted that slimming drugs, like other drugs, may have side effects, pointing out that some slimming drugs rely on substances that stimulate GLP-1 receptors, which enhance the body’s response to insulin and contribute to increased burning rates.
The advisor to the head of the Drug Authority added, in exclusive statements to Cairo 24 website, that these drugs work on more than one organ in the body, as they affect the pancreas, liver, kidneys and nervous system. They also reduce intestinal movement and slow down stomach emptying, which enhances the feeling of satiety and reduces the desire to eat.
He added that slimming drugs are drugs that enter the body and affect its functions, noting that injections are characterized by the active ingredient reaching the blood at a higher rate and concentration compared to some other drug forms, and therefore their effect may be faster and stronger.
Rajai stressed the need to consider the patient's health condition before using slimming drugs, especially in the event of problems with kidney, liver, or stomach function, or high blood pressure or diabetes, emphasizing the importance of using these drugs under the supervision of a specialist physician to avoid side effects and complications resulting from incorrect use.
He explained that the side effects of slimming drugs vary from person to person, noting that the drugs have a degree of safety when used according to medical controls, but this degree may be affected if they are used incorrectly, in inappropriate doses, or at times not medically specified.
He pointed out that the duration of treatment and dosages vary according to each patient’s condition. One person may need to use it for two months, while another may need three or six months. The doctor may also resort to gradually reducing the dosages, which is known as “tapering,” according to the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
He stressed that the least of the risks resulting from the incorrect use of slimming drugs may be the failure to achieve the desired result, while in some cases the complications may reach the point of affecting the functions of the kidneys, liver, stomach, nervous system and psychological state.
He pointed out that the drug leaflets accompanying these drugs include the expected side effects, noting the possibility of other unexpected effects appearing with use, especially given the different responses of patients to the drugs.
