Misuse of semaglutide drugs for weight loss is a global issue, with varying regulatory responses across Europe.
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Concerns are rising across Europe regarding the misuse of semaglutide preparations, with not only Lithuanians but also tourists from countries like Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania, Italy, and Turkey using the medication improperly. Regulatory bodies have found that semaglutide is often prescribed for conditions unrelated to its primary use, such as by dentists for diabetes management. In Greece, 28 penalties totaling 50,000 euros were issued for the improper prescription of semaglutide. In the Czech Republic, export was banned, and prescribing was restricted to diabetologists and endocrinologists for Type II diabetes patients, though sales were later relaxed due to public dissatisfaction. In Lithuania, while supply issues are noted due to increased demand, current drug dispensing controls pose no immediate risk, but use outside of medical necessity is possible only with serious justification and specialist approval. The Lithuanian Ministry of Health has mandated that pharmacies keep records of prescriptions for non-reimbursable semaglutide preparations for one year. In Bulgaria, despite the medication not being on the shortage list, the situation was recently managed, but the state does not reimburse for doses under 1mg, forcing newly diagnosed patients to pay out-of-pocket, leading to patients traveling to Greece for medication. Medical experts emphasize that semaglutide should not be used for weight loss unless it is its primary indication, as it is widely misused for this purpose. Furthermore, a major challenge in Lithuania is the lack of state compensation for continuous glucose monitoring systems for Type II diabetes patients, which is crucial for managing the condition.
