The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has warned that action will be taken against online pages and outlets selling medicines without obtaining the required permits.

In a statement issued on Monday, MFDA stated that import and sale of medicines in the Maldives are permitted only under approvals issued in accordance with existing regulations. The authority noted that imported medicines must also be included in the official list of drugs authorised for sale in the country.

The MFDA said it has identified online pages and some pharmacies importing medicines that are not on the approved list and marketing them under different names. The authority also noted instances of medicines being sold without the necessary permissions.

Semaglutide, used to lower blood sugar levels, is being advertised on some pages as a weight-loss drug, while azelaic acid is being promoted online as a cosmetic or skin-brightening product, the authority said.

The authority stressed that such medicines should only be used when prescribed by a doctor and may only be dispensed by pharmacies upon presentation of a valid prescription. It warned that using these medicines without medical supervision could pose unpredictable health risks.

The MFDA said it will take enforcement action against those who import medicines without approval and advertise or sell them for unauthorised purposes.

In a separate statement issued on Sunday, the MFDA also reiterated that action will be taken against unlicensed pharmacies and pharmacists operating in violation of regulatory requirements.