Firm steps to prevent unauthorised use of diabetes drugs

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has stepped up regulatory surveillance against unauthorised sale and promotion of type 2 diabetes drugs also known as GLP-1 drugs, the government said on Wednesday.

In recent weeks, 49 businesses were audited and inspected across the country, including online pharmacy warehouses, drug wholesalers, retailers, and weight loss clinics, an official statement said.

These inspections spanned multiple regions across India and focused on identifying violations related to unauthorised sale, improper prescription practices, and misleading marketing.

The government also issued notices to those found breaking the rules. Stricter inspections and surveillance will continue in the coming weeks. Businesses that break the rules will face license cancellation, fines, and legal action, the statement said. The government also mentioned that only endocrinologists, internal medicine specialists and cardiologists can prescribe them.

It had issued an advisory on March 10, 2026, directing manufacturers to stop misleading advertisements or any promotion that could encourage use without a prescription. GLP-1 drugs (glucagon like peptide 1 receptor agonists) treat type 2 diabetes and obesity but carry risks ranging from nausea and vomiting to severe complications such as pancreatitis, kidney injury and bowel obstruction. Due to these side effects, the government urged patients to consult qualified medical specialists and obtain these medications only with a prescription through legitimate, regulated channels.

Multiple variants of GLP-1 drugs have been recently introduced in the Indian market, and concerns have emerged regarding their on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers, and wellness clinics. GLP-1 drugs (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are medications stimulating insulin release and suppressing excess glucagon, to bring blood sugar back under control.