Warning after rise in 'unscrupulous and unauthorised' sellers promoting weight loss drugs

A health products watchdog has expressed concern at an increase in "unscrupulous and unauthorised" sellers promoting semaglutide products online.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has warned the public to only source GLP-1 medicines, such as Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy, from a registered pharmacy using a valid prescription from their healthcare professional in light of its increasing detention of unauthorised products.

As a result of its proactive enforcement work in this area, the HPRA has detained some 1,401 units of uncertified GLP-1 products in 2024 to date. This compares to a total of 568 units in 2023 and just 40 units in 2022.

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The HPRA stressed there can be no guarantees as to what substances these online products actually contain and taking them poses a significant risk to consumers’ health.

Products detained came in various forms including tablets and pens presented as both branded and generic versions.

A large quantity of vials containing powder or liquid have also been detained, some of which were found in non-healthcare settings such as those offering beauty and cosmetic treatments.

The health body also warned of the serious health risks associated with sourcing any prescription medicine online and is urging the public to be aware of an increasing presence of unapproved versions of these medications.

A spokesperson said: "Despite how these products are promoted, presented and packaged, consumers have no way of knowing whether they are authorised medicines or if they have been subjected to any safety or quality assessments.

"Accessing such products outside of the legitimate medicines supply chain could pose serious health risks.

"Other markets are also seeing similar activity in these illegal products and the HPRA is in ongoing contact with its counterparts in Europe. Related warnings have been issued across Europe, in the UK, US and Australia."

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