Pharmacies cautioned over supply of 'Lemon Bottle' and alternative therapies

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has issued a warning to pharmacy professionals about the supply of unregulated products and the provision of alternative therapy services.

In a letter sent to pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy owners today (April 10), the regulator highlighted concerns it has received regarding pharmacies supplying non-medicinal, unregulated, and unlicensed products — including a substance called ‘Lemon Bottle’, which has been advertised on social media with claims that it dissolves fat.

The GPhC’s Chief Pharmacy Officer, Roz Gittins, cautioned that these unregulated products can “potentially cause serious harm” and reminded pharmacy owners and staff of their responsibilities when considering the supply or administration of such products.

He said: “If the pharmacy owner and/or superintendent pharmacist has chosen to offer an unlicensed, unregulated product for sale, it is their responsibility to make sure that they have sought assurances from the supplier and/or completed their own due diligence that the product(s) they provide are safe for patients and the public.”

“They should also check with their insurers that providing such products is covered by their indemnity arrangements.”

In line with GPhC’s standards for registered pharmacies, they are also asked to consider the risk of administering the product.

Roz also raised concerns about some community pharmacies offering complementary or alternative therapy services, such as acupuncture and cupping, to patients and the public.

She emphasised the importance of assessing and managing the risks associated with these services.

Pharmacy owners are urged to ensure that staff have the necessary “knowledge, skills, training and indemnity cover” to provide these services and that they are delivered in an appropriate environment.

“They should also make sure that the person using the service is fully informed of the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of a complementary or alternative therapy, and how they may work alongside conventional medical treatments,” the letter said.

Additionally, the regulator highlighted issues involving registered pharmacies supplying medicines prescribed by practitioners working for unregulated online platforms.

Pharmacies are reminded to follow GPhC guidance on providing pharmacy services at a distance, including online.

The guidance advises pharmacy owners and superintendent pharmacists not to work with online providers who avoid, or try to avoid, keeping to the UK regulatory system.