Medical professionals in the UAE are raising alarms about the use of unprescribed weight loss drugs, cautioning residents about potential severe side effects. Common indicators of health issues may include heart palpitations, chest pain, jaundice, dark urine, swelling, vomiting, and depression.
One individual, Abdul, a 43-year-old male expat, shared his experience with Ozempic, a drug initially intended for Type 2 diabetes. “The doctors had to be very thorough and I was told to undergo different tests to make sure that the symptoms I’ve experienced were not something more sinister than just side effects from the weight loss injection,” Abdul explained. He had previously used the drug without a prescription but now takes it under medical supervision after experiencing headaches, nausea, fatigue, and heartburn.
Dr. Haicam El Mourad, a general surgeon at Fakeeh University Hospital, Dubai, highlighted the risks: “Unsupervised use of weight loss drugs can lead to severe side effects, such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, insomnia, liver damage, and even stroke or heart attack.”
Risks of Unsupervised Use
Dr. El Mourad further explained the dangers of incorrect dosages: “Without medical guidance, users might take incorrect dosages – either too high, risking severe side effects, or too low, rendering the drug ineffective. Unprescribed weight loss drugs can not only cause harmful effects but may also have addictive properties, leading to potential abuse and dependence.”
Reasons for Usage
Many users turn to weight loss drugs as an alternative to exercise and a strict diet. Sania, a 27-year-old female expat, recounted her struggles: “Over the years, I’ve struggled with fad diets and my weight was fluctuating, so I was willing to give it a shot. I decided to turn to the injections after giving birth to my twin babies, as I just couldn’t seem to find the time to get to the gym and lose the excess weight.”
Sania has been using injectable weight loss drugs unprescribed for eight months, experiencing extreme dizziness as a side effect. “I counter it with drinking plenty of water,” she added.
Chris, another Dubai resident, turned to weight loss drugs after trying liposuction and finding it ineffective. “I had to go through prolonged periods of intense training and a low-carb diet. Due to medications I take for my chronic disease, the progress was extremely slow, which became very disheartening. So, I turned to weight loss drugs,” he said.
Over-the-Counter Availability
Helen, another user, revealed she could purchase antidiabetic medication over the counter without a prescription. “I was recommended Mounjaro by a close friend. All it took was walking into a pharmacy and asking for it, like a pack of Ibuprofen,” she said. The 54-year-old was concerned about the ease of access but was reassured by the pharmacy that a prescription wasn’t necessary due to the low dosage.
Potential Long-Term Side Effects
Dr. El Mourad noted the lack of comprehensive research on the long-term side effects of unprescribed weight loss drugs but warned about the potential risks inferred from short-term adverse effects and known drug interactions. He highlighted symptoms like heart palpitations, chest pain, jaundice, dark urine, swelling, persistent nausea, vomiting, mood swings, and depression as indicators of health issues.
He also warned about the risk of counterfeit or contaminated products, which could result in additional health complications, and noted that unprescribed drug use might exacerbate existing health issues.
