Pharmacy leaders warn unsafe online prescriptions of weight loss jabs risk severe health crises

The growing demand for injectable weight loss jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro has led pharmacy leaders to issue a serious warning about the risks to patient safety. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has highlighted concerns over the unregulated online sale of these weight loss jabs, with some clinicians seeing up to 20 patients per hour, compromising their ability to provide adequate care.

These drugs, which are often prescribed to treat obesity, require careful medical oversight due to their potential side effects, including severe nausea, abdominal pain, and kidney problems. However, reports have emerged that some individuals with past eating disorders or those already underweight have been recklessly given these powerful injections.

Nick Kaye, chairman of the NPA, criticised the current practices, saying, “It’s shocking to see consultations reduced to mere tick-box exercises. Proper evaluations are vital to protect patients, yet financial incentives seem to be driving unsafe decisions.”

The NPA has formally contacted the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), demanding stricter rules to ensure patient safety. They propose mandatory consultations lasting at least 20 to 30 minutes, during which clinicians can assess medical histories and suitability for the medication. These consultations, whether conducted in person or via phone, would provide a vital opportunity for pharmacists to ensure that patients fully understand the risks and proper usage of these injections.

The association has further called for a requirement to access GP records before prescribing weight loss drugs, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of a patient’s health background. According to the NPA, many online platforms fail to offer this level of scrutiny, instead prioritising speed and profit over safety.

The timing of the warning is particularly critical, as the NHS plans to expand its rollout of Wegovy later this year. Pharmacy leaders worry that a surge in demand could exacerbate unsafe practices unless stricter measures are implemented.

The stakes are high. Stories have surfaced of patients suffering from serious side effects after being prescribed these drugs without adequate evaluation. The lack of follow-up care leaves many patients in the dark about how to manage adverse reactions, putting their long-term health at further risk.

With obesity rates rising across the UK, the potential benefits of these weight-loss medications are clear. They can provide life-changing results for those who genuinely need them. But without proper safeguards, their misuse could lead to catastrophic consequences, from worsening health conditions to fatal outcomes.

Pharmacy leaders are calling on regulators and healthcare providers to take decisive action. “Patient safety must come first,” Kaye stressed. “No medication, however effective, should be handed out without ensuring it’s truly safe for the person receiving it.”

The public is now looking to the General Pharmaceutical Council to respond to these warnings and establish more robust regulations for online platforms selling these weight loss jabs. With lives at risk, the question remains: will regulators act before another tragedy occurs?