Anvisa warns about irregular sale of tirzepatida powder online
Product did not undergo analysis and poses contamination risks
The National Agency for Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) issued an alert on Wednesday (23) about the irregular supply of tirzepatide powder on social networks. The substance is an injectable medicine that activates the GLP-1 receptor, which is present in so-called slimming pens.
In Brazil, tirzepatide regulated by Anvisa is sold in pharmacies, the active ingredient being present in Mounjaro. It can also be found in handling pharmacies, provided the patient has medical indication and prescription.
The body warns that it is not safe to manipulate and use drugs that have not been produced in a sterile environment, that is, free of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
Tutorial
According to the note, in videos in tutorial format on social networks, users dilute the product and teach how to make the application at home without any sanitary care. The agency emphasizes that the illegal trade of this type of medicine has been the target of several police actions.
Anvisa points out that, since the product has not passed any evaluation, it is not possible to prove even if the active ingredient of the substance is present.
“In addition, it is not possible to prove its concentration, nor the presence of impurities and contaminating agents,” the note says.
Risks
The organ warns that when a substance is injected into the body, it accesses the body directly and can turn into a serious infection.
“The belief that mixing a powdered product with water or another solution and applying it with a syringe makes this mixture safe poses serious health risks, especially when there is no guarantee that the product is sterile.”
The organ draws attention to the fact that contaminants can be invisible to the naked eye, and the fact that the product looks clean and is sealed does not mean that it is safe.
There is also the risk of contamination in the preparation, because it is a domestic environment.
“For these reasons, only products manufactured specifically for injectable use, under strict quality and sterility controls, should be administered through this route,” Anvisa recommends.
Peptide
Anvisa reported that, in addition to tyrzepatite powder, social media profiles also disclose and indicate the use of CBL-514, a substance with supposedly localized fat reduction potential. However, the synthetic peptide is still in phase 2 of study and has neither registration nor authorization for sale.
At this stage, the product is still being evaluated in clinical trials to confirm, or not, its safety, efficacy and quality.
“Under these conditions, there is no guarantee that the expected benefits will outweigh possible harm to health,” the agency said.
