São Paulo health entities launch guidance for GLP-1 use and medical waste

Health professionals in São Paulo are receiving new resources to manage the rising use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and weight-loss pens.

Sincofarma-SP is hosting a free online lecture on September 29 focused on the reverse logistics of medicines and their packaging. The session will address the specific challenges posed by the increased use of weight-loss pens, particularly the safe disposal of needles and sharps to prevent environmental impact and workplace accidents. The training covers responsibilities regarding the receipt, storage, and destination of waste, as well as regulatory compliance.

Additionally, the Regional Pharmacy Council of the State of São Paulo (CRF-SP) has released two technical manuals to assist pharmacists in patient care. These materials provide guidance on dietary supplementation for patients using GLP-1 agonists and offer technical information regarding synthetic semaglutide medications. The guides aim to help professionals navigate questions about medication interchangeability and the nutritional needs of patients undergoing treatment.