INVIMA Health Alert: The Hidden Danger of Supposed 'GLP-1 Patches' for Weight Loss
INVIMA issues an official warning about the fraudulent marketing of 'GLP-1 PATCHES (LUMESSA)', a product with no sanitary registration that poses a serious public health risk.
Urgent Health Alert: The National Institute for Food and Drug Surveillance (INVIMA) has issued an official warning about the fraudulent marketing of products promoted as "GLP-1 Patches" in Colombia.
The worldwide rise in popularity of GLP-1 analogue medications (such as semaglutide) for weight management and diabetes treatment has also attracted dangerous practices in black markets and online channels. Recently, INVIMA issued a strong health alert warning the public about the illegal sale of a product called "GLP-1 PATCHES (LUMESSA)".
Below, we explain everything you need to know about this alert, the risks involved, and the recommendations from health authorities.
INVIMA Report Summary
| Detail | Official Information |
|---|---|
| Product in Question | GLP-1 PATCHES (LUMESSA) |
| Promoted Use | Weight loss (transdermal route) |
| Legal Status | NO Sanitary Registration (Illegal in Colombia) |
| Detected Sales Channels | Internet, Social Media, Messaging Apps |
| Main Risk | Unknown components; no proven efficacy or safety |
| Recommended Action | Discontinue use immediately and report commercialization |
What is the "GLP-1 PATCHES (LUMESSA)" product?
This product is fraudulently marketed through the internet, social media, and instant messaging platforms. Its promoters claim that these patches deliver the same weight-loss benefits as approved injectable medications, but via a transdermal route.
The reality is alarming: INVIMA has confirmed that GLP-1 PATCHES (LUMESSA) does NOT have sanitary registration in Colombia. This means its importation, distribution, commercialization, and use are completely illegal.
Critical health risks
Since this is a product without sanitary registration, INVIMA warns that it has not been evaluated for quality, safety, or efficacy. Consumers who choose to use this product are exposed to serious risks:
- Unknown components: Without passing through the regulatory authority's laboratory controls, it is impossible to know what chemical or biological substances these patches actually contain.
- Questionable manufacturing: There is no guarantee that they were produced under sterile conditions or in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Storage conditions: The storage and transportation of illegal products routinely break any chain of care, potentially degrading or contaminating the product.
- False expectations: Using these products may lead people to abandon legitimate medical treatments, wrongly believing they are using a valid GLP-1 analogue.
Important: Real GLP-1 analogue-based medications (such as semaglutide or liraglutide) are serious medical treatments that should only be used under strict medical prescription and supervision.
What does INVIMA recommend to the public?
The directives from the national health authority are clear in order to protect public health:
- Discontinue use immediately: If you are currently using "GLP-1 PATCHES (LUMESSA)", stop using them at once, as they represent an imminent risk to your health.
- Refrain from purchasing: Do not buy products that promise "magic" or rapid weight-loss solutions, especially if they are sold through social media without the backing of an authorized pharmacy.
- Verify sanitary registration: Before purchasing any medication or supplement, always verify its sanitary registration through INVIMA's official channels (website or customer service line).
- Report it: If you know of websites, social media profiles, or physical establishments selling this product, report it immediately to INVIMA or local health authorities so they can take the appropriate sanctions.
Conclusion: Your health is not a game
The desire to lose weight quickly should never put your life at risk. Health authorities work constantly to identify fraudulent products, but prevention starts at home. If you are looking for weight management alternatives, always consult a qualified health professional (endocrinologist, nutritionist, etc.) who can design a safe, scientifically validated plan tailored to your specific needs.
Stay informed and protect your family by sharing this information. For further official details, you can consult the health alerts directly on the INVIMA website.