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[HEALTH] · Argentina, Panama · 14 sources

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ANMAT and Panama health officials warn of illegal weight-loss drug sales

Health authorities in Argentina and Panama have issued urgent warnings regarding the illegal sale and falsification of weight-loss medications.

In Argentina, ANMAT warned against the unauthorized commercialization of Retatrutide, an experimental substance currently in clinical research stages for diabetes and obesity. These products are being sold through websites, e-commerce platforms, and WhatsApp. Authorities emphasized that Retatrutide is not approved for commercial use and its safety and efficacy remain unproven. The injectable nature of these clandestine products poses extreme risks, including potential bloodstream infections and death due to lack of manufacturing oversight.

In Panama, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) issued a national alert following reports of illegal sales of various unauthorized pharmaceutical products, including Retatrutide and several peptides. Additionally, Minsa is monitoring the market for falsified Mounjaro (tirzepatide) following an alert from Brazil's ANVISA regarding counterfeit devices with mismatched serial numbers. Authorities urge citizens to only purchase medications through authorized channels to avoid severe health risks.

Entities

ANMAT · Argentina · Eli Lilly · INVIMA · Instituto de Salud Pública · Ministerio de Salud de Panamá · Ministry of Health of Panama · Mounjaro · Panama · Retatrutide · Retatrutide · Servicio Nacional de Aduanas

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