Online Pharmacies Sell Weight-Loss Jabs Too Easily in June 2025

Concerns are rising about online pharmacies selling powerful weight-loss injections. Reports show some may not check if patients really need them, unlike NHS rules.
By Newsroom | Health, Pharmacy |

Concerns are mounting over the ease with which certain individuals can obtain potent weight-loss injections, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, through online pharmacies. Reports suggest that some online platforms may be supplying these medications without adequately verifying patient eligibility, potentially bypassing established medical criteria and posing risks to public health.

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Background and Timeline of Concerns

Weight-loss injections, initially developed for managing type 2 diabetes and later approved for specific weight-loss indications, have become a subject of intense discussion. These medications, known for their efficacy in aiding weight reduction and potentially improving cardiovascular health, are now subject to heightened regulatory attention.

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  • Initial Use: Semaglutide and tirzepatide were first utilized to help patients with type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar.

  • Shift to Weight Loss: In the past three to four years, these drugs began to be prescribed more widely as aids for weight loss.

  • Emergence of Issues: This increased demand led to global shortages and concerns about the availability of counterfeit products.

  • Regulatory Response: By February 2025, weight-management drugs were officially classified as "high risk" medicines, requiring additional safeguards and stricter checks.

  • Ongoing Scrutiny: As of June 2025, reports persist about potential shortcomings in the oversight of online pharmacies dispensing these medications.

Evidence of Inadequate Safeguards

Investigations and warnings from medical professionals and regulatory bodies highlight a pattern of potentially lax practices among some online pharmacies.

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  • Patient Admissions: A General Practitioner reported that patients have admitted to obtaining and using weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro without meeting the official criteria for prescription.

  • Unsafe Prescribing Targets: Reports have emerged of some online sellers pressuring clinicians to handle an excessive number of patient consultations per hour, suggesting a focus on volume over thorough assessment. For instance, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has raised concerns about clinicians potentially managing over 20 patients per hour.

  • Official Guidelines: National health guidelines, such as those from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), stipulate that these injections should generally be prescribed on the NHS only to adults with a BMI of at least 35 and a pre-existing weight-related health condition.

Regulatory Actions and Warnings

Pharmacy regulators and professional associations have responded to these concerns with increased scrutiny and calls for stricter rules.

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  • GPhC Statements: The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has acknowledged that while online pharmacy services can be valuable, inspections have revealed instances of medicines being supplied inappropriately, endangering patients.

  • NPA Appeals: The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has written to regulators, including the GPhC, demanding tougher regulations to prevent medicines from being supplied without proper checks.

  • New Requirements: By February 2025, new rules were implemented requiring online pharmacies to conduct in-person or video consultations to verify patient eligibility for weight-loss drugs.

Patient Eligibility and Risk Factors

The focus of stricter checks is to ensure that these powerful medications are prescribed only to those who genuinely need them and can benefit safely.

  • NHS Criteria: On the National Health Service (NHS), prescriptions for these injections are typically limited to individuals who are obese and have associated health issues.

  • High-Risk Classification: Weight-loss drugs are now categorized as "high risk" due to their potent effects and the potential for misuse or inappropriate prescription.

  • Vulnerable Groups: Stricter measures aim to prevent individuals with a healthy weight or a history of eating disorders from obtaining these drugs, thereby mitigating potential harm.

Potential Benefits of Weight-Loss Drugs

Despite the regulatory concerns, research indicates significant health benefits associated with these medications, particularly in managing weight-related conditions.

  • Cardiovascular Improvements: Studies suggest that these drugs can lead to substantial improvements in heart health, including lower rates of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and high blood pressure.

  • Original Medical Use: Their initial development for type 2 diabetes highlights their role in metabolic regulation.

Expert Perspectives on Oversight

Medical professionals and pharmacy leaders have voiced strong opinions regarding the need for robust oversight in the online sale of weight-loss injections.

  • GP Concerns: A GP in North East Lincolnshire expressed concern that patients are obtaining these medications without meeting the necessary medical criteria, suggesting a gap in online prescription practices.

  • Pharmacy Leader Warnings: Pharmacy leaders have issued warnings about the risks to patient safety, emphasizing the importance of thorough medical history reviews and regular follow-ups when dispensing these injections.

  • Counterfeit Product Risk: The NPA has previously cautioned patients against buying weight-loss injections from unregulated online sources, due to the possibility of receiving counterfeit or substandard products.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The evidence indicates a continued need for rigorous enforcement of regulations surrounding the online sale of weight-loss injections. While these medications offer significant therapeutic benefits, their potency necessitates careful patient selection and ongoing monitoring. The implementation of stricter consultation requirements and ongoing vigilance by regulatory bodies are crucial steps in ensuring patient safety. Future efforts should focus on sustained monitoring of online pharmacy practices to prevent inappropriate access and potential harm.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are people worried about online pharmacies selling weight-loss drugs?
Reports show some online pharmacies might be selling strong weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro without checking if patients truly need them. This could be unsafe.
Q: What are the official rules for getting these weight-loss injections in the UK?
On the NHS, these drugs are usually for adults with a high BMI (35 or more) and a health problem linked to weight. They are now called 'high risk' medicines.
Q: What new rules are being put in place for online pharmacies?
Since February 2025, new rules mean online pharmacies must talk to patients, either in person or by video, before giving them weight-loss drugs. This is to make sure they are suitable.
Q: How many patients might doctors be seeing too quickly at online pharmacies?
Some pharmacy leaders are worried that doctors at online pharmacies might be seeing too many patients too fast, perhaps over 20 patients each hour. This could mean they don't check patients properly.
Q: What are the risks if people get these injections without proper checks?
People who don't need these drugs or have certain health issues like eating disorders could be harmed. There's also a risk of getting fake or bad quality medicines from unsafe sources.
Q: Can these weight-loss drugs help people?
Yes, studies show these drugs can help people lose weight and also improve heart health, lowering risks of heart attacks and strokes for some patients.