The "Slim Pen" is reportedly out of stock, is this one also out of stock? Doctor: Be careful of urinary tract infection and ketoacidosis

The drug commonly known as "Slim Pen" which is used for weight loss is out of stock. It is reported that another new diabetes drug SGLT2 inhibitor has also been targeted and people are looking for ways to buy it and use it as a weight loss drug. Chen Yinzheng, deputy director of the Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said that the main indication of SGLT2 inhibitors is diabetes. Using its side effects to lose weight may cause risks such as urinary tract infection and ketoacidosis. If people without diabetes want to lose weight, it is better to follow diet control and exercise to lose weight, which is safer.

The drug commonly known as "Slim Pen" which is used for weight loss is out of stock. It is reported that another new diabetes drug SGLT2 inhibitor has also been targeted and people are looking for ways to buy it and use it as a weight loss drug. (Photo provided by Central Epidemic Command Center)

In recent years, two new types of diabetes drugs, SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1, have attracted much attention, mainly because their side effect is the weight loss that many people dream of. Among them, GLP-1 is a new subcutaneous injection drug for diabetes that helps the body secrete insulin, reduce glucagon, and keep blood sugar stable. In addition, it can also increase the brain's suppression of appetite and produce a sense of satiety, thereby reducing calorie intake and achieving weight loss. The main ingredient of the product commonly known as the "slimming pen" on the market is GLP-1.

There are several "slimming pens" with GLP-1 as the main ingredient.

In China, the "slimming pen" drugs with GLP-1 as the main ingredient include SanofiZan, Panadol, Panadol, and E-ZhouTang. SanofiZan is indicated for obesity and has been approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare as a legal weight loss injection drug. The other three are indicated for type 2 diabetes control, but they also exist in a gray area and are used for weight loss.

Chen Yinzheng, deputy director of the Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, emphasized that SGLT2 inhibitors are prescription drugs and their indications do not include weight loss. If the user has poor kidney function, use of them may cause kidney damage. In addition, if the sugar content in the urine is too high, the urinary tract may be prone to infection, and may even cause more serious and fatal ketoacidosis. (Photo provided by Central Epidemic Command Center)

The drug that was recently reported to be out of stock is Yizhoutang, which is administered once a week. As a result, other drugs have also been in hot demand, even extending to SGLT2 inhibitors, another new drug for treating diabetes besides GLP-1.

The mechanism of action of SGLT2 inhibitors is different from that of GLP-1

Chen Yinzheng, deputy director of Changhua Hospital who is also a nephrologist, said that the mechanism of SGLT2 inhibitors is different from that of GLP-1. It acts on the renal tubules, inhibiting the kidney's ability to reabsorb urine sugar, allowing excess sugar to be excreted from the urine, thereby achieving the effect of lowering blood sugar, effectively stabilizing blood sugar, and achieving a weight loss effect because calories are excreted.

Chen Yinzheng said that studies have shown that the use of SGLT2 inhibitors by diabetic patients can reduce proteinuria, slow the progression of kidney disease, and even lead to the need for dialysis. Further use in non-diabetic kidney patients revealed similar effects. In addition to their protective effects on the kidneys, SGLT2 inhibitors also have a cardioprotective effect, not only improving heart function but also reducing hospitalization for heart failure and even death.

Chen Yinzheng pointed out that SGLT2 inhibitors are beneficial for blood sugar, kidneys, and heart. Diabetes and heart failure are currently conditionally covered by national health insurance. Although national health insurance has not yet covered kidney disease, it should be just around the corner.

Chen Yinzheng emphasized that SGLT2 inhibitors are prescription drugs and their indications do not include weight loss. If the user has poor kidney function, use of these drugs may cause kidney damage. In addition, if the sugar content in the urine is too high, the urinary tract may be prone to infection, and may even cause more serious and fatal ketoacidosis. Also, because it is not a legal weight-loss drug, once problems occur in your body, drug injury relief cannot be applied.