UK regulator warns against buying weight-loss medicines without prescription

MHRA urges caution over illegal medicines from beauty salons and social media

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is reminding the public not to buy weight-loss medicines without a prescription from healthcare professionals.

This New Year, people are warned against purchasing such medicines from beauty salons or social media platforms, as it poses significant health risks and is illegal.

Andy Morling, MHRA Deputy Director of Criminal Enforcement, highlighted the dangers: “At this time of year, many think about losing weight quickly. However, weight-loss medicines offered without a healthcare professional’s prescription are not cosmetic treatments but powerful medicines. These can only be legally and safely dispensed with a prescription.”

The MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit collaborates with social media platforms and technology companies to prevent the illegal sale of weight-loss medicines online.

Actions include removing posts and suspending accounts that sell medicines without a prescription.

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, emphasised the importance of consulting healthcare professionals: “The decision to start, continue or stop treatments should be made jointly by patients and their healthcare professional based on a full discussion of the benefits and risks.”

The MHRA constantly monitors the safety of licensed weight-loss medicines, known as GLP-1 Receptor Agonists.

They encourage reporting any side effects through their Yellow Card scheme. Cave advised, “It’s crucial to read the patient information leaflet for each medicine, as all medicines can cause side effects.”

Morling warned against fake pharmacy websites, “Criminals make their websites look authentic. Always check online pharmacies are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council.”

The MHRA is committed to ensuring that medicines are acceptably safe and effective.

This New Year, the public is urged to stay safe and purchase medicines only from legitimate sources.