# Risks of weight-loss injectable medications

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/risks-of-weight-loss-injectable-medications
> Updated: 2026-10-19T16:24:17.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Health authorities have raised alarms regarding the risks associated with weight-loss injectable medications, specifically focusing on counterfeit products and improper waste disposal.

Initially, concerns centered on the illegal market for semaglutide and tirzepatide-based medications. The World Health Organization issued alerts regarding falsified batches in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In Brazil, Anvisa reported the seizure of over 1.3 million irregular units and the closure of several establishments, including a prohibition on the T36 weight-loss pen.

As the use of these injectable medications for home treatment has increased, a secondary public health issue has emerged regarding the disposal of medical sharps. In Brazil, waste management companies reported a rise in biological risks for collection professionals. In Campo Grande, accidents involving sharps saw a significant spike, including an 800% increase in September. Local authorities in Araucária have responded by instructing citizens to use puncture-resistant containers for needles and to deliver them to Basic Health Units for proper disposal.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Brazil authorities warn of rising risks from improper medical needle disposal

Authorities in Brazil report a surge in accidents involving improperly discarded needles and syringes, driven by increased use of injectable weight-loss medications, posing biological risks to waste workers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-authorities-warn-of-rising-risks-from-improper-medical-needle-disposal

### 2026-09-22: Counterfeit weight-loss pens pose severe health risks

Authorities warn of severe health risks from counterfeit weight-loss pens, including falsified semaglutide batches found in Brazil, the UK, and the US.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/counterfeit-weight-loss-pens-pose-severe-health-risks

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Cite as: Risks of weight-loss injectable medications. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/risks-of-weight-loss-injectable-medications
