HEALTH Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, is urging Guyanese to use Ozempic and similar medications responsibly and only under proper medical supervision, warning that misuse of the drug can create serious health complications.
Speaking recently on Starting Point, Dr Anthony said while Ozempic and related medications have been beneficial for many patients, especially those managing diabetes and weight-related conditions, the drugs must be used carefully and according to medical advice.
“Ozempic and this line of medicines that have now become available, they have been helpful to a lot of patients, but it requires proper medical use and it must be under medical supervision because without that, people can misuse it,” Anthony said.
The Minister explained that the medication is not intended for casual or unsupervised use and stressed that persons should only access the drug through proper medical channels.
“This is not a non-prescription medicine. You have to get the prescription. Somebody got to supervise your care, and I think people should stick to what the medications are intended for,” he stated.
Minister Anthony also revealed that a generic version of Ozempic is expected to become available on the Guyanese market within the next few months as one of the manufacturers producing a generic form of the medication has already submitted documentation to Guyana’s Food and Drug Department for registration approval. The application is currently under review and once approved, the medication could become more widely available locally. The Minister said, government will also be monitoring how the drug is used after it enters the market to ensure it is being prescribed and consumed appropriately.
“Once the drug is on the market, you also have to have surveillance to see how the drug is being used. That surveillance will tell you whether it is used appropriately or inappropriately, and if it’s being used inappropriately, then the regulatory agencies will be able to correct it,” Anthony explained.
Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, was originally developed as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes. The medication works by mimicking a hormone known as GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, slows digestion, and reduces appetite. In recent years, the drug has gained international attention for its effectiveness in weight management, leading to increased global demand and wider use beyond diabetes treatment. Health officials internationally have repeatedly warned, however, that the medication should only be used under professional supervision due to possible side effects and the need for proper dosage monitoring.
