SFDA Alerts : ‘ VICTOZA’ drug should only be used under prescription and for Type 2 –Diabetic patients

H.E SFDA Vice President for Drug Sector, Dr. Saleh Bawazir confirmed that ‘VICTOZA’ product, with the scientific name ‘LERAGLUTIDE’ is registered in SFDA under No. 11-100-59 since 1432H and a number of shipments of this product were released in the Kingdom, and therefore it is available, on the contrary of what is claimed by various media systems.

Dr. Bawazir explained that “VICTOZA’ product is only used for type 2 diabetes and is not used as first-line therapy as indicated in the notice to health practitioners, issued by the manufacturer” He emphasized that this drug should only be prescribed by endocrine specialists in hospitals, as it has many side effects e,g. acute pancreas infection and thyroid gland cancer.

He added, it was the manufacturer’s duty, from the professional perspective, to address the plans for reducing the risks of this product which were approved by SFDA, including distribution of instructions for use to patients.