Table of Contents
A pharmacist has issued a stark warning about the health dangers posed by counterfeit weight-loss injections, following a surge in demand for drugs such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro.
Neil Raichura, of Well Pharmacy, believes it is crucial that Brits are fully aware of the risks associated with treatments popularized by a range of celebrities.
Mr Raichura’s advice comes amid growing concern about the rise of fake medicines, highlighted by a recent alert from the World Health Organization (WHO) about the rapid rise of counterfeit medicines targeting diabetes and loss. of weight.
In the last four years, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has linked 18 deaths to the use of weight-loss drugs.
Raichura said: “While it may be tempting to buy medications online, there is no guarantee of their safety and there are multiple risks that can occur.”
Read on to discover Mr. Raichura’s summary of four things all patients should consider before taking steps to lose weight.
A pharmacist has issued a stark warning about the health dangers posed by counterfeit weight-loss injections, following a surge in demand for Wegovy and Ozempic in the UK (file image)
Uncertified suppliers and dishonest sellers
Raichura warns consumers against purchasing weight loss injections from uncertified suppliers and dishonest online sellers looking to make a quick sale to customers and who are likely uneducated and unfazed by the dangers posed by their product.
According to the pharmacist, unlicensed dealers often distribute products that contain harmful substances or in incorrect doses.
Well Pharmacy advises all consumers who want to purchase weight loss vaccines such as Ozempic or Wegovy to look for the correct certification on the websites.
Medicines suppliers in the UK are normally regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) or the Care Quality Commission (CQC); If websites offering weight loss treatments do not display these logos, they are not regulated and should not be trusted.
To date, 274 people have been sent to hospital after using weight loss injections, more than the 68 previously revealed by the MHRA.
A recent case involved Welsh mother-of-three Jodi Jones purchasing a fake Ozempic injection worth £20 via Facebook.
The unregulated blow left her in “excruciating pain” and vomiting blood, requiring hospital treatment.
Mr Raichura warned: “While it may be tempting to buy medicines online, there is no guarantee of their safety and there are multiple risks that can occur.”
Welsh mother-of-three Jodi Jones (pictured), who bought a £20 fake Ozempic injection via Facebook, required hospital treatment after the drug left her vomiting blood.
The weight loss jabs Jodi Jones bought from a beautician on Facebook that appeared to contain insulin
Unsafe ingredients
Counterfeit products often contain harmful substances, including untested chemicals, toxic additives or doses that deviate from what is considered safe and effective, Raichura explained.
Injections containing dangerous ingredients can have serious health consequences.
The pharmacist advised: “To mitigate these risks, consumers should always ensure that their weight loss treatments come from reputable pharmacies that meet rigorous safety standards.”
Unpredictable side effects
Unpredictable side effects may arise from taking uncertified weight loss injections because the medications will not have undergone rigorous testing.
Unregulated weight-loss injections have been linked to a variety of serious side effects, including gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Stomach paralysis and intestinal obstructions have been identified in customers who purchased unregulated medications.
Other side effects include chronic conditions such as pancreatitis, kidney disease, and cardiovascular complications.
Raichura also warned of long-term risks, such as thyroid tumors and gallbladder diseases.
Unregulated weight loss jabs have been linked to a range of serious side effects, including gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (file image)
Lack of support and guidance.
Purchasing weight loss products from unregulated sources often means that consumers are left without essential support and guidance.
Unverified websites often provide no support once the product is paid for, leaving consumers with no idea how to administer or take the correct dosage of the medication.
A regulated pharmacy, like Well Pharmacy, provides consultations, ensuring patients continue to make informed decisions about their health and receive ongoing support during their weight loss efforts.
Without professional input, people may struggle to navigate their weight loss journey, increasing the likelihood of failure or detrimental results.
Raichura said: “It is imperative that people ensure that weight loss injections are purchased correctly.”
Always ensure that injections can be traced back to a pharmacy that is properly licensed to sell the weight loss medication.