Bangkok: The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is tightening regulations on weight-loss pens; starting September 15th, a doctor's prescription will be required. The FDA is also moving forward with a system to track drug distribution and prevent counterfeit and illegal drug sales.
According to Thai News Agency, Pharmacist Supatra Boonsearm, Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration, stated that GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, such as Liraglutide and Semaglutide, are injectable drugs commonly known as "weight-loss pens." They are indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and some formulations are used to control weight in obese individuals. However, it has recently been found that GLP-1 injections are being used for weight loss without medical evaluation and supervision, along with the illegal sale of counterfeit drugs, drugs of unknown origin, and online sales.
Therefore, the Ministry of Public Health issued Announcement No. 58 on Special Controlled Drugs, designating GLP-1 injections as special controlled drugs effective September 15, 2026. Their sale in modern pharmacies requires a doctor's prescription and dispensing by a pharmacist to ensure patients receive appropriate and safe medication.
The Secretary-General of the FDA further stated that the FDA will also intensify monitoring of the distribution of GLP-1 drugs through the drug tracking system (Track and Trace). Initially, cooperation has been requested from licensees importing or ordering and selling GLP-1 drugs to report sales data into the system. This will allow for tracking the drug's journey from import, storage, distribution, to dispensing to patients, and enables traceability in case of irregularities. This will help prevent the leakage of drugs outside the system, including counterfeit and unregistered drugs.
The FDA is currently drafting clearer guidelines and conditions for the sale and distribution of these drugs. The FDA also warned businesses, pharmacies, and online distributors to strictly comply with the law. Selling controlled drugs without a prescription, selling drugs without a license, or selling unregistered drugs are punishable by both imprisonment and fines. Advertising drugs in violation of the law is punishable by a fine up to 100,000 baht.
The Secretary-General of the FDA concluded by saying that patients should be assured that this measure does not restrict access to medication. Patients with indications and receiving medical care can still access their medication as usual, but will enjoy increased safety due to a system that clearly traces the source and distribution route of the drug. The public can check authorized GLP-1 drug products by entering the serial number on the packaging into the 'Track and Trace Serialization Level Pilot Drug Products' menu on the FDA website: www.fda.moph.go.th. If no authorization information is found or the information does not match what is displayed on the website, avoid using the product and report it to the FDA hotline 1556 or via the Oryor Smart Application, available 24 hours a day, so that the FDA can take legal action against offenders.