The United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has just issued a strong warning to the public about the dangers of purchasing weight loss medication without a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional.
This timely advisory comes when many people are looking to shed extra pounds gained over the holiday season.
Here, we provide a summary of the key elements of the advice.
Key Points of the Warning
Health Risks: The MHRA underscores that buying weight loss drugs from unauthorised vendors (e.g. beauty salons, social media platforms and unverified websites) poses significant health risks to the public. These drugs are often marketed as quick fixes but can contain harmful substances that may lead to serious health issues, including hospitalisation.
Legal Implications: It is illegal to sell or purchase prescription only medicines (POMs) without a valid prescription. The MHRA is actively working to identify and terminate illegal sales posts, suspend accounts plus remove rogue websites that sell such unapproved products.
Importance of Professional Guidance: The MHRA has stressed the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals before starting any weight loss treatment. Decisions about using weight loss drugs should be based on a full risk-benefit assessment, conducted by a prescriber.
Common Weight Loss Medicines: The recent warning specifically includes GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g. semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro)). These potent drugs are designed to help with weight loss but should only be used under close medical supervision.
Why the Warning?
The current warning is driven by the increasing trend of people seeking quick weight loss solutions, particularly after the Christmas break. The agency's Deputy Director of Criminal Enforcement, Andy Morling, has suggested that criminals make their websites look authentic and convincing, which can easily deceive consumers into buying unsafe products.
How to Stay Safe
To ensure safety, the MHRA advises the public to:
Only purchase medicines from legitimate pharmacies: This includes both physical and online pharmacies that are properly registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Avoid unregulated sources: Do not buy weight-loss medicines from beauty salons, social media, or unverified websites.
Consult healthcare professionals: Always seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medication, especially for weight loss.
ONGOING EFFORTS
As ever, the MHRA will continue to monitor the safety of all licensed weight loss medicines. People are encouraged to report any suspected side effects through the Yellow Card Scheme. This approach will help the MHRA track and manage the safety of these drugs effectively.
In summary, the MHRA's warning serves as a crucial reminder of the potential dangers associated with buying weight loss medicines without a prescription. By following the relevant advice plus engaging with healthcare professionals, individuals can make safer choices and avoid the serious health risks posed by unregulated products.
For further information please get in touch via mike@pharmascholar.co.uk
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