Panama health ministry warns of illegal, fake weight-loss treatments

Panama's Ministry of Health (Minsa) has warned the public about the illegal sale and falsification of products marketed as weight-loss treatments. The National Directorate of Pharmacy and Drugs (DNFyD) issued the health alert following a report from Colombia's National Institute for Food and Drug Surveillance (INVIMA).

Several specific products are named in the alert, including various formulations of Tirzepatide and Retatrutide injections and solutions, as well as other peptide-based products like GHK-Cu, LIPO-C + B12, and NAD+. These are being sold illegally and lack the necessary sanitary registration in Panama, making their composition, quality, safety, and efficacy uncertain.

Minsa strongly advises against acquiring or using these products, particularly when offered through unauthorized channels like social media or websites. The public is encouraged to report any individuals or establishments distributing these unapproved items to the DNFyD immediately. The ministry reaffirms its commitment to health surveillance and stresses the importance of verifying sanitary registration for all medications.