United Kingdom: The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is calling for tougher rules on the online sale of weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro, as a boom in demand is expected this year. Representing independent community pharmacies, the NPA has urged the General Pharmaceutical Council to require more thorough consultations with patients before dispensing these high-risk medications online.
According to the NPA, the current guidelines permit medicines to be supplied without proper consultation or access to a patient’s medical history, posing consequential safety risks. Nick Kaye, chair of the NPA, emphasised that while weight-loss injections can be effective in tackling obesity, their use must be carefully controlled to ensure patient safety.
Kaye stated that, “Obesity is one of the biggest challenges facing our country.” He added that, “Weight-loss injections can play an crucial role when prescribed as part of a carefully managed treatment programme for patients who are most in need of support. However, the current regulations allow some patients to access these medications inappropriately, without proper consultation or examination of their medical history.”
The NPA has called for critical two-way consultations with patients and a full review of medical records before such medications are dispensed. They argue that relying on online questionnaires alone is inadequate, particularly for high-risk medications. The association has also warned against unregulated sellers, such as beauty salons or social media platforms, which may distribute counterfeit and potentially dangerous products.
Draft guidelines on weight-loss medications have been proposed by the General Pharmaceutical Council, but the NPA claims they do not go far enough to ensure patient safety. They are urging regulators to prioritise supply for those with the most clinical need, including patients with type 2 diabetes.
The anticipated surge in demand comes as the government plans to expand access to weight-loss treatments over the next few years. Pharmacies offering private weight-loss programmes and injectable medications are readying for the increased interest but stress the importance of regulation to safeguard patients.
Kaye concluded that, “Medicines are not like normal goods for sale; they must be handled with great care because they have the power to harm as well as to heal. We urge anyone with concerns about medication to consult their pharmacist for advice.”
Experts warn that abuse of weight-loss jabs, particularly among patients with eating disorders or low BMIs, could result in severe adverse effects. Both the NPA and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency advise patients to avoid buying such treatments from unregulated sources.
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