Dubbed a ‘miracle drug’, the problem of indiscriminate prescriptions has been consistently pointed out since its arrival.
Saxenda and Xenical are also subject to restrictions… Two-week guidance period until the 15th of next month
As ‘no-questions-asked prescriptions’ such as Wigobi, which had raised concerns about misuse and abuse since their introduction in Korea, became a reality, the government decided to ban non-face-to-face prescriptions for obesity treatment drugs starting next month.
The government has temporarily permitted pilot projects for non-face-to-face medical treatment since February of this year, when the conflict between the government and the government became in full swing. However, it is said that this improvement plan has been prepared in response to continued criticism that the measures implemented to prevent gaps in medical treatment in medically vulnerable areas are being misused.
Ministry of Health and Welfare From the 2nd of next month, prescriptions for obesity treatment drugs, including Wegobi, will be restricted during non-face-to-face medical treatment.It was announced on the 29th that it would do so. The purpose is to minimize concerns about incorrect prescriptions of obesity treatments and their resulting misuse and abuse, and to protect public health.
This measure was taken in response to continued issues raised about the incorrect practice of patients who are not eligible for prescriptions receiving prescriptions easily during face-to-face as well as non-face-to-face treatment after Wegobi was launched in Korea on the 15th of last month. The National Assembly, experts, and the media have also continuously pointed out the problem of online and offline illegal distribution.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare explained that it collected opinions from various fields, including related ministries, experts, medical and pharmaceutical organizations, consumer and patient groups, and platform industries, through consultations with related ministries such as the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and ‘non-face-to-face medical treatment pilot project advisory group meetings’. .
Wigobi, which has been called a ‘miracle diet drug’, is an injectable obesity treatment containing semaglutide developed by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.
The subjects of administration specified by the authorities are Obese patients with a body mass index (BMI, weight divided by the square of height) or a BMI of 27 to 30 with weight-related comorbidities such as dysglycemia and high blood pressure, cardiovascular patients who are overweight, etc.am.
However, as it received attention as the ‘weight loss secret’ of celebrities such as Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk, it was pointed out that indiscriminate prescriptions were rampant even for people who were normal or underweight. Many reviews have been shared online that say that by using a non-face-to-face medical treatment application, prescriptions can be prescribed in ‘1 minute cuts’ without even asking about weight.
Accordingly, the government, including semaglutide-containing preparations including Wigobi, △liraglutide-containing preparations △terzepatide-containing preparations (all of the above are limited to obesity treatment) △orlistat-containing preparations △bupropion hydrochloride and naltrexone hydrochloride (combined preparation) It was decided to limit non-face-to-face medical prescriptions for pharmaceuticals, etc.
A well-known obesity treatment drug along with WeGobee. ‘Saxenda’ (liraglutide ingredient) and ‘Xenical’ (orlistat ingredient) are also subject to restrictions.went into
As of the 2nd of next month, the government will apply the revised ‘Non-face-to-face medical treatment pilot project guidelines (for medical institutions and pharmacies)’ to the front lines. A two-week guidance period runs until the 15th of the month.I plan to do it.
In addition, it was decided to periodically re-evaluate prescription and use patterns of obesity treatments with related ministries such as the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
We will also consider developing and applying a ‘non-face-to-face treatment model suitable for obese patients who need prescriptions for obesity treatment’ through consultation with experts such as related academic societies and patient groups. For example, a method of not applying prescription restrictions is being discussed for patients who use a ‘certified protocol’ that pre-enters their physical records and checks through periodic face-to-face treatment.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to review non-face-to-face treatment models suitable for patients with rare incurable diseases, chronic diseases, the disabled, and the elderly in the future.
In addition, in order to prevent misprescription, misuse and abuse, such as gastric bypass, which can occur regardless of the type of treatment, the Korean Society of Obesity and the Korea Institute for Health Promotion and Development We also plan to promote a ‘campaign on proper weight management methods’.am.
Jeong Yun-soon, director of the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Health and Medical Policy Division, said, “We expect that people will be able to use non-face-to-face medical treatment more safely through this improvement plan. We ask for active cooperation from the public and the medical community so that non-face-to-face medical treatment can contribute to improving public health.” “He requested.
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## Expert Interview: “Miracle Drug” Wigobi and teh crackdown on Indiscriminate prescriptions
Dr.park, thank you for joining us today. You’ve been vocal about the need for stricter regulations surrounding obesity treatment medications like Wigobi. can you help our readers understand why this recent decision to restrict non-face-to-face prescriptions is so crucial?
**Dr. Park:**
Certainly. While wigobi, and other drugs like Saxenda and Xenical, have shown remarkable potential in helping obese individuals manage their weight and associated health risks, the ease of access through online platforms raised serious concerns.
The “miracle drug” narrative led to a surge in demand, with individuals seeking prescriptions even when they didn’t meet the clinical criteria. This indiscriminate use not only increases the risk of side effects and interactions but may also mask underlying medical conditions requiring different treatment approaches.
you mentioned side effects. Could you elaborate on the potential risks associated with misusing these medications?
**Dr. Park:**
Absolutely. These medications can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. In severe cases, they can lead to pancreatitis or thyroid tumors. More importantly, using these medications without proper medical supervision ignores the root causes of obesity, which are frequently enough complex and multifaceted, involving dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical conditions.
So, what impact do you think this new regulation will have?
**Dr. Park:** While it’s a positive step in the right direction, it’s crucial to remember that simply restricting online prescriptions is not a silver bullet. We need a multi-pronged approach.
Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Park:**
We need a more comprehensive strategy that involves:
1. **Educating both the public and healthcare professionals:** This includes dispelling myths about “miracle cures” and emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment plans.
2. **Strengthening oversight and monitoring:** We need robust mechanisms to track prescription patterns, identify potential misuse, and address any fraudulent practices.
3. **Promoting healthy diet and lifestyle interventions:** Long-term weight management requires a holistic approach that addresses the underlying causes of obesity.
Dr. Park, thank you for sharing your insights. Your expertise is invaluable as we navigate the complex landscape of obesity treatment and strive to find safe and effective solutions for all.
**End of Interview**
