As obesity treatment Wegovy launches in South Korea, a parliamentary committee is urging caution against exaggerated marketing and early vigilance on side effects. The government has pledged to closely monitor the drug’s post-market safety and improve adverse event reporting.

National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee member Jong-Heon Baek raised concerns about the potential for misuse and emphasized the need for clear consumer guidance on Wegovy’s risks. In an inquiry during the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) audit, Baek questioned the government’s readiness to inform the public about possible side effects.

The MFDS responded by announcing it will provide prescription checklists for healthcare providers and patient guidelines covering administration, side effects, and disposal, ensuring safe usage information. Additionally, the MFDS plans to designate Wegovy for intensive monitoring to better capture adverse event data and to scrutinize any misleading advertisements across online and healthcare settings.

In light of concerns around serious side effects like self-harm or suicide risk, the MFDS cited European Medicines Agency findings that found no causal link between Wegovy and suicidal ideation. South Korea has similarly reported no such correlation but committed to ongoing monitoring of both domestic and international safety data, implementing any necessary label updates as needed.

Rep. Joo-Young Lee echoed the importance of preventing misuse, warning that consumers heavily focused on weight loss may turn to appetite suppressants, risking severe health impacts.

To prevent misuse, the MFDS plans targeted awareness campaigns for adolescents and young adults through platforms like YouTube and Instagram, expanding content to reinforce that Wegovy is prescription-only and dispensed only at licensed pharmacies. These efforts will be supported by press releases and educational materials to ensure safe and informed use of Wegovy.