Digemaps warns against unapproved weight-loss medications on Dominican market

Santo Domingo.- The General Directorate of Drugs, Food, and Health Products (Digemaps) issued a public warning about unapproved weight-loss medications circulating in the Dominican market. These medications, copies of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, have not been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and pose potential health risks.

While the FDA had allowed the temporary manufacture of these unapproved versions to address a shortage in the U.S., they are not officially validated, meaning their safety and effectiveness are unguaranteed. Digemaps urged the public, healthcare providers, and patients to only use medications with proper FDA approval and valid health registration. The FDA declared the end of the supply crisis for these drugs in December 2024, providing a 90-day period for phasing out the unauthorized versions.

To safeguard public health, Digemaps is monitoring local market products for compliance with quality standards and recommends patients consult their doctors about alternatives. The agency also advised against purchasing unauthorized drugs and encouraged reporting any adverse reactions to the relevant authorities.