With the growing interest in weight-loss injections, the retatrutide molecule, currently in the clinical research phase, has also come to the fore. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kanat, who evaluated products reported to be sold online under the name "Reta," stated that the use of unapproved drugs can carry serious health risks.
Participating in journalist Hande Aydemir’s YouTube program, Kanat emphasized that the retatrutide molecule, which is a subject of research, and the products sold online should be evaluated separately. Retatrutide, which is being studied in trials for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, is being researched as a molecule that targets GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors.
Kanat stated that clinical studies of retatrutide on humans are ongoing but that it has not yet received approval for use from any regulatory agency. Kanat said, "It has not yet received FDA approval. It has not yet received approval from the European Medicines Agency."
Speaking about products offered for sale on the internet, Kanat expressed that it is impossible for a molecule whose approval process has not been completed to be commercially available on the market. Kanat warned, "In other words, if it is being sold on the market, this drug is a fake drug."
During the program, the question of how one could determine whether a vial obtained online actually contains retatrutide was also raised. To Hande Aydemir’s question on this matter, Kanat replied, "No one can tell." According to Kanat, the content of a product cannot be verified solely by packaging information or the seller's declaration; the molecule must be examined in reference laboratories.
WHERE IS THE RISK IN UNAPPROVED PRODUCTS?
Kanat pointed out that it is unknown under what conditions products sold online are prepared. Production conditions and sterility are of great importance, especially for products administered subcutaneously. The possibility of contamination with microorganisms can lead to serious health problems such as infections.
Lilly, the developer of retatrutide, also warns that products offered under this name outside of clinical research should not be used. According to the approach of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), labels such as "for research purposes only" or "not for human use" do not mean that a product is safe or effective for humans.
The consequences of rapid weight loss were also discussed on the program. Upon hearing that some users claim to lose 12 kilograms a month, Kanat stated that high amounts of weight loss in a short time can lead to problems such as gallstones and muscle loss. He pointed to the importance of controlled weight loss, adequate protein intake, and resistance exercises.
Emphasizing that citizens should stay away from products purchased online whose contents cannot be verified, Kanat concluded his warning with these words: "There is no joking about this. Therefore, never, ever use drugs you do not know. Especially drugs that have not received approval."
News Source: 12punto
