The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has launched an investigation into the unauthorized advertising and sale of medicines on several social media platforms.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the authority stressed that the import and commercial sale of medicines in the Maldives are strictly regulated under the Medicine Regulation (2014/R-46).

The regulation requires all medicine importers and sellers to be registered and licensed by the MFDA, while only drugs listed under the country’s Approved Drug List are permitted for import and distribution.

The MFDA said it has observed a growing trend of medicines being brought into the country without approval and promoted for sale through online pages and social media accounts.

Among the medicines highlighted was Semaglutide, a drug used to control blood sugar levels, which the authority said is being misleadingly advertised as a weight-loss product.

The MFDA also noted that Azelaic Acid, commonly prescribed for certain skin conditions, is being marketed and sold as a skin-whitening product.

The authority emphasized that such medicines must only be dispensed with a valid prescription issued by a specialist doctor.

It warned that the use of these drugs without proper medical supervision could result in serious and potentially life-threatening health complications.

The MFDA said strict legal action will be taken against individuals or businesses found importing or selling medicines without the required permits, in accordance with existing regulations.

Members of the public seeking further information or wishing to report concerns have been advised to contact the MFDA hotline at 7200321.