MFDS, GLP-1 obesity drug + diabetes med combo hypoglycemia↑

The Ministry issued 'Guidelines to Safe Use of GLP-1 Obesity Treatments'

The use of obesity treatments is prohibited during pregnancy and lactation… contraception may be necessary for at least 1-2 months after discontinuing the medication

GLP-1 obesity drugs Wegovy(left) and Mounjaro.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced that patients with diabetes using GLP-1 obesity treatments, which have recently become popular, must consult with their healthcare provider, as the co-administration of these drugs with diabetes medication significantly increases the risk of hypoglycemia.

 

The MFDS also stressed that the use of obesity treatments must be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

 

Popular GLP-1 obesity drug brands include 'Wegovy' and 'Mounjaro.' The MFDS (Minister Yu-Kyoung Oh) and the Korea Institute of Drug Safety and Risk Management (KIDS)(President Soojung Sohn) announced on September 29 that they have distributed a 'Guidelines to Safe Use of GLP-1 Obesity Treatments' to regional medical associations and drug safety centers nationwide.

 

This guide contains information on ▲the diseases for which the obesity treatments are used ▲correct administration methods, storage and disposal ▲precautions for use ▲reporting of adverse reactions (side effects).

 

GLP-1 obesity treatments are prescription drugs prescribed to: obese patients with an initial Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30kg/m2 or higher, or overweight patients with a BMI of 27kg/m2 to less than 30kg/m2 who have one or more weight-related comorbidities.

 

The MFDS emphasized that patients taking diabetes medication who are also taking GLP-1 obesity treatments are at a higher risk of hypoglycemia and should consult with their healthcare provider about whether to adjust drug dosages.

 

They also added that the use of obesity treatments is prohibited during pregnancy and lactation, and it is advisable to plan pregnancy considering the drug's residual period in the body.

 

Depending on the specific obesity treatment, contraception may be necessary for at least 1-2 months after discontinuing the medication.

 

Obesity treatments should not be started at a high dose immediately.

 

Instead, patients should initiate treatment with the dose specified by their physician, according to the approved regimen, and gradually increase it, strictly adhering to the dosage and administration instructions provided by both the physician and pharmacist.

 

When administering the obesity treatment, patients should inject into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, whichever site is most convenient, and rotate the injection site with each dose.

 

Patients must inform their healthcare professional before administration about ▲any known drug hypersensitivity ▲all currently administered medications, medical history ▲whether they are pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

Additionally, obesity treatments should be stored in the refrigerator away from light.

 

If the medication is frozen, contains particles, or has changed color, it should not be used and must be disposed of.

 

The MFDS stressed that even when GLP-1 obesity treatments are used within the approved scope, adverse events such as gastrointestinal disorders, injection site reactions, fatigue, and dizziness can commonly occur.

 

More clinically significant adverse events, such as hypersensitivity reactions, acute pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, and cholecystitis, may also occur.

 

In such cases, patients should notify their healthcare team or visit the hospital.

 

The MFDS stated that GLP-1 obesity treatments, as prescription drugs, must be used strictly following a physician's prescription and a pharmacist's dispensing and guidance, ensuring safe use within the authorized indications for obesity treatment.

 

It was also stressed that purchasing or distributing these drugs through overseas direct purchases or person-to-person sales online should be avoided, as the product's safety cannot be guaranteed.

 

An MFDS official said, "We hope this guide helps patients using GLP-1 obesity treatments to administer their medication safely." The educational material is available on the MFDS website (www.mfds.go.kr) → Law/Data → Promotional Materials → General Promotional Materials section, on the KIDS website (www.drugsafe.or.kr) → Education/Promotion → Resources section.