The World Health Institution (WHO) has included semaglutide, a drug known for treating type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss, on its Essential Medicines List. Semaglutide, also marketed under brand names like Wegovy and Rybelsus, is one of 20 new medications added to the adult list, prioritizing it for health systems in approximately 150 countries.

The decision to include semaglutide comes as the medication gains popularity for its effectiveness in weight management.However,health officials are also issuing warnings regarding its off-label use.

The WHO has also added 15 new medicines to the children’s list. The essential medicines list,wich has been updated every two years since 1977,serves as a guide for governments in purchasing drugs,setting insurance coverage,and ensuring supply.

“The new editions of essential medicines lists mark a critically important step towards expanding access to new medicines with proven clinical benefits and with high potential for global public health impact,” said Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s Assistant director-general for Health Systems.

Cost Concerns and Accessibility

The WHO has acknowledged that drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide remain expensive, which limits patient access.

Prioritising those who woudl benefit most, encouraging generic competition to drive down prices…are key to expanding access and improving health outcomes,”

The organization suggests prioritizing individuals who would benefit the most, promoting generic competition to lower prices, and making these treatments available in primary care, especially in underserved areas, to improve access and health outcomes.

Ozempic Use Warning

The inclusion of semaglutide on the WHO list follows warnings issued by health ministries regarding the drug’s use for weight loss. On August 19, the Ministry of Health cautioned against using Ozempic for weight loss, stating that it is indeed strictly approved for treating adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Pharmacy and Poison Board (PPB) Chief Executive Officer Fred Siyoi stated, “The Board wishes to bring to the attention of the public that Semaglutide is a Prescription-Only Medicine and its unsupervised or off-label use may result in serious health outcomes.”

The board has advised the public against the off-label use of semaglutide and encouraged reporting any suspected side effects or poor-quality products through official channels. They acknowledged the increasing popularity of the medication for weight loss and cautioned that using the drug without proper medical supervision or a prescription could led to serious health risks.

Common side effects of semaglutide include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), eye conditions, acid (gastro-oesophageal) reflux disease, and intestinal obstruction, which can range from mild to severe, according to the PPB.