Key summary
- Fake online “skinny jabs” can seriously harm
- Weight-loss medicines must only come from registered UK pharmacies
- Always check sellers and report suspicious products
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a New Year warning against the use of unsafe online weight loss medications.
It advises people to avoid purchasing these drugs from unregulated websites and social media platforms, where they are showcased as affordable with quick, unbelievable results.
“As a practising doctor and patient safety minister, I want to be absolutely clear - please do not buy weight loss medications from unregulated sources,” said Health minister Dr Zubir Ahmed.
The MHRA has advised that medicines used for weight management, including all GLP-1 medicines, often referred to as “skinny jabs”, are prescription-only medicines and should not be taken without consulting a doctor.
It warned that the drugs sold online could be fake, contaminated, or wrongly dosed with severe side effects such as heart or psychological issues and even fatally low blood sugar levels.
The MHRA has urged the people to buy weight-loss medicines only from a registered UK pharmacy or a credible retailer.
People in Great Britain can refer to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) website to learn about these registrations.
Similarly, residents of Northern Ireland can check the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) website for the same, it added.
It urged the people to report suspicious platforms or products to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Jenn Matthissen, from the MHRA’s Safety and Surveillance team, commented, “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.”
