MoH warns against ‘weight-loss pens’ containing unapproved Retatrutide

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 28 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a warning to the public against purchasing or using weight-loss pens purportedly containing Retatrutide, emphasizing that no such products are registered for use in Malaysia. Retatrutide is currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials and has not received marketing approval from any regulatory authority worldwide.

The ministry highlighted the growing concern of online sales of weight loss products, including injectable medicines offered directly to consumers without proper examination, prescription, or monitoring by registered medical practitioners. Such unregulated use could lead to adverse effects and serious complications, which might worsen if not promptly identified and treated.

From January to July 2026, the Pharmacy Enforcement Division received 65 complaints and conducted 30 raids, with 17 raids focused on online sales, resulting in a total seizure value of RM477,142. Throughout 2026, 209 advertisements for weight loss products, including those claiming Retatrutide, were removed from e-commerce platforms, and 1,243 advertisements across various media channels were identified and addressed.

The ministry advised consumers to verify the registration status of weight loss products via the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) website and confirm the authenticity of the FarmaTag hologram using the MyUBAT application's FarmaChecker feature. Selling unregistered medicines is an offense under the Sale of Drugs Act 1952, with penalties up to RM50,000 for a first offense and RM100,000 for subsequent offenses.