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Semaglutide Explosion: Cheaper Generic Drugs Flood India
20 Mar
Summary
- Nearly 50 generic semaglutide brands launch in India on Saturday.
- Prices drop significantly, with one example costing Rs 1,290 monthly.
- Doctors caution against misuse for minor weight loss and emphasize physician prescription.
India is poised for a significant pharmaceutical event with the launch of nearly 50 generic semaglutide brands on Saturday. This widespread release is expected to drastically lower medication costs, with some monthly doses priced as low as Rs 1,290, compared to innovator drugs costing upwards of Rs 8,800. This move is anticipated to improve access to crucial treatments for chronic diseases.
However, medical experts express both optimism and concern. Diabetologists acknowledge the potential for cost-sensitive patients to benefit but emphasize the critical need for quality control among multiple manufacturers. Concerns also include maintaining the cold chain for injectables, a process that not all new entrants may be equipped for.
Furthermore, doctors strongly advise against the misuse of semaglutide, particularly for minor weight reduction. They stress that these potent medications, which affect the brain and stomach, should only be prescribed by physicians and never dispensed over-the-counter or via online pharmacies due to potential severe side effects.
