Dr. Adel Al-Sajwani, a family medicine consultant, warned against the weekly “Monjaro” needle, which is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and is in great demand these days by the vast majority of overweight people, especially after it was widely circulated on social media.
He said: the needle helps to reduce weight; Because it works to suppress appetite, but it must be used with a prescription and under the supervision of a specialist doctor to avoid complications that it may cause in the future.
Registration and use
Dr. Al-Sajwani said: The UAE is considered the second in the world after the United States of America in needle registration after its approval by the American Food and Drug Committee, but it is not yet approved for weight reduction and slimming, although it works to suppress appetite, and it may be approved in the future for weight loss.
He added: One box contains 4 needles, used for a period of 4 weeks, and on approximately the same day and time, so that the first dose starts with 2.5 ml, in the second week 5 ml, in the third week 7.5 ml, and in the fourth week 10 ml, and it may take between 6 months to a year, and maybe a longer period, depending on the patient’s condition and the doctor’s assessment, indicating that the price of one box is 1700 dirhams.
It is not a substitute for surgery
Dr. Al-Sajwani emphasized that the Monjaro needle is not an alternative to bariatric surgeries. People who suffer from excessive weight gain are not benefited from taking the needle. Rather, it is beneficial for people who suffer from a small increase, and it may reduce the weight to 10 kilograms within two months, but on condition that this is under Doctor supervision.
He said: The patient should check the liver and kidneys monthly to avoid complications, pointing out that minor symptoms may include an effect on the psychological state, and may also cause acidity and heartburn, which can improve with time.
Al-Sajwani warned against buying needles from pharmacies and using them without consulting a doctor, and doing tests for diabetes, kidneys, liver and glands.