As many people consider lifestyle changes at the start of the
year, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
(MHRA) is urging the public to make sure any weight-loss
medicines they use are safe, effective and legitimate.
The MHRA continues to warn about the serious risks linked to
buying weight-loss products from unregulated websites or through
social media. Products sold illegally may be fake, contaminated,
incorrectly dosed, or contain powerful ingredients not
listed on the packaging. These can lead to dangerous side
effects, including heart problems,
psychological effects and dangerously low blood
sugar.
Some medicines used for weight
management – including all GLP-1 medicines,
sometimes referred to as “skinny jabs” – are
prescription-only. They should only ever be supplied
following a proper assessment by a qualified healthcare
professional to ensure the treatment is appropriate and
safe.
The MHRA advises:
-
Do not buy prescription-only medicines without a
prescription. GLP-1 medicines and other treatments for
weight management should only be supplied after a clinical
assessment.
-
Only buy medicines from registered UK pharmacies or
legitimate retailers.
-
For pharmacies in Great Britain, you can check registration
on the General Pharmaceutical
Council website.
-
For pharmacies in Northern Ireland, refer to
the Pharmaceutical Society of
Northern Ireland (PSNI) website.
-
Avoid weight-loss products promoted on social media,
especially those promising “quick fixes”, “miracle
results”, or unusually low prices – these are
common signs of illegal sellers.
-
Report suspicious websites or products to the MHRA's Yellow Card
scheme so action can be taken to protect
others.
Health Minister
Dr Zubir Ahmed said:
“As a practising doctor and patient safety minister, I want to
be absolutely clear - please do not buy weight loss
medications from unregulated sources.
“These products are made with no regard for safety or quality and
pose a major risk to unwitting customers. Don't line
the pockets of criminals who don't care about your
health.
“Safe, appropriate, licensed obesity drugs can greatly
benefit those with a clinical need but should be obtained from a
registered pharmacy against a valid prescription.”
Jenn Matthissen, from the MHRA's Safety and
Surveillance team, said:
“People often look for ways to support their health at this time
of year, but buying medicines from illegal online sellers can put
your health at real risk. Always make sure you are using
authorised products from legitimate sources and speak to a
healthcare professional for advice on safe, evidence-based
options.”
If you are considering weight-loss treatment, talk to your
GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare
professional. More information on what you need to know about
weight-loss medicines is available on the MHRA's dedicated page on
the GOV.UK website.
