The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has warned residents to be cautious of misleading online advertisements promoting unapproved medicines, saying fake health claims on websites and social media could put lives at risk.
The warning comes as the regulator announced action against 71 online sources found to be marketing or selling unauthorised peptide-based products, many of which were promoted as weight-loss treatments.
Beware of these misleading claims
According to EDE, illegal sellers are increasingly using professional-looking advertisements and social media campaigns to lure buyers with promises such as:
- “Miracle cure for every illness”
- “100% natural and completely safe”
- “Limited stock available”
- “Thousands of satisfied customers”
The authority warned that these claims are designed to persuade consumers to buy medicines from unlicensed sources.
“One click could cost you your health—or even your life,” EDE cautioned.
Buy medicines only from licensed stores
Residents are urged to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and authorised healthcare providers and to ensure products are officially approved before use.
The regulator said medicines sold through unofficial online platforms may be counterfeit, substandard or unregistered, posing serious health risks.
Fake medicines a major concern
Citing World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, EDE said one in 10 medicines in some markets may be counterfeit or of poor quality.
It also warned that more than 90% of medicines sold through unauthorised online sources could be illegal or fail to meet regulatory standards.
Counterfeit medicines may contain harmful ingredients, incorrect dosages or expired substances, making them ineffective—or even dangerous.
Unapproved weight-loss drug
EDE also warned against the growing online promotion of peptide-based weight-loss injections that have not been approved in the UAE.
Among them is Retatrutide, an experimental drug that remains under clinical investigation and is not authorised for sale or medical use in the country.
Authorities monitoring online platforms
Fares Al Mazmi, Director of the Inspection and Control Department at EDE, said the authority is continuously monitoring websites and social media accounts promoting illegal medicines.
Working with other government agencies, EDE is blocking offending accounts, investigating violations and taking legal action against those responsible.
The regulator urged consumers to verify that medicines are officially registered before purchasing, stressing that buying from authorised sources remains the safest way to protect their health.
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