Ravi, a 55-year-old resident of Gujarat, India, self-prescribed semaglutide, a diabetes drug with weight-loss benefits, and was later diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer. Medical experts, including Dr. Anoop Misra from Fortis C-Doc in New Delhi, stress that semaglutide should only be prescribed by qualified professionals due to its associated risks, particularly for individuals with a family history of thyroid cancer. The misuse of GLP-1 drugs has surged, with reports of one case every ten days at Dr. Misra's clinic since the injectable version became available in India last year. Side effects can range from gastrointestinal issues to severe complications like pancreatitis and thyroid cancer. Dr. V Mohan from Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre in Chennai emphasizes the need for careful patient selection and dosage adjustments to ensure safety. The availability of cheaper generic versions has increased the likelihood of self-medication, prompting concerns among healthcare providers about the potential for serious health risks. Proper medical oversight is essential for anyone considering these medications.