Be aware of fake pharmacy websites offering weight-loss medicines - MHRA warns

Illegal weight-loss medicines may contain toxins and other ingredients that could cause real harm

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has cautioned against buying weight-loss medicines without a prescription from beauty salons, unregistered pharmacy websites or social media platforms as such products could pose “serious health risks.”

Consumers are reminded that the only safe way to obtain genuine weight-loss medication is through a legitimate pharmacy, including licensed online pharmacies, with a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional.

To combat the illegal sale of these medicines, the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit is working closely with social media platforms, technology companies, the police and Border Force.

Andy Morling, MHRA deputy director of Criminal Enforcement, highlighted the dangers of purchasing these medications from unverified sources:

“At this time of year, with many of us thinking about shedding a little excess weight, we see people offering weight loss medicines for sale as a quick fix, without a healthcare professional’s prescription, from beauty salons, websites and on social media.

“These are not cosmetic treatments; they are powerful medicines that can only be legally and safely dispensed against a prescription issued by a healthcare professional.”

Weight-loss medicines, clinically known as GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs), have been shown to offer benefits that outweigh risks when used for their licensed indications. However, unregulated versions may contain harmful substances, potentially leading to severe health complications or hospitalisation.

Morling advises consumers to exercise caution, particularly when purchasing these medicines online. He recommends verifying the registration of online pharmacies on the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) website.

“Fake pharmacy websites and social media sellers illegally supply medicines that are not approved for use in the UK. These may contain toxins and other ingredients that could cause real harm, and you may even end up in hospital,” he said.

Dr. Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, emphasised the importance of making informed decisions about treatment:

“The decision to start, continue or stop treatments should be made jointly by patients and their prescribing healthcare professional – such as a GP or pharmacist – based on full consideration and discussion of the benefits and risks.

“No medicine is completely without risk. All medicines can cause side effects, and these are outlined in the product information for each medicine, so it’s important to read the patient information leaflet that includes advice about the known side-effects.”

Dr. Cave encourages patients and healthcare professionals to report suspected side effects from weight loss drugs, such as semaglutide or tirzepatide, through the Yellow Card scheme.