MFDA flags online weight-loss, skincare meds

Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has warned that action will be taken against online pages and pharmacies selling medication advertised for weight-loss and skincare without obtaining proper permits from the authority. 

Only licensed parties may import or sell medicine, and all of these must appear on the official list of permitted medications. 

MFDA said that it has come to their notice that online pages are advertising, importing and selling medication for various conditions in violation of this.

MFDA noted that they have observed pages advertising semaglutide - used to control blood sugar - as a weight loss drug, and azelaic acid - used for certain skin inflammations - as a skincare drug for skin whitening and smoothness. 

The authority stressed that these medications should be used only when necessary and strictly under a specialist doctor's prescription. Pharmacies must dispense them solely with a doctor's prescription, never as over-the-counter sales. The MFDA reiterated that unsupervised use could pose serious risks and complications. 

MFDA stated that action will be taken against those advertising, importing and selling such medication without the necessary permits.