Pharmacists warn of ‘explosion’ of fake weight-loss vaccines, fuelled by Ozempic shortage.
Weight-loss drugs have gained popularity as the UK and other wealthy countries grapple with an obesity crisis.
But the National Pharmacy Association says it is “really concerned about counterfeiting in the supply chain,” adding that shoppers are risking their health by buying drugs online.
Those wishing to lose weight and diabetics who have difficulty obtaining the medicine are urged to speak to their pharmacist or GP first and to use only regulated suppliers when buying privately.
When the weight-loss properties of the type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic were first revealed, there was a surge in unapproved prescriptions for dieters, leading to a global shortage.
Pharmacists warn of ‘explosion’ of fake weight-loss vaccines, fuelled by Ozempic shortage (file image)
While Novo Nordisk, maker of Ozempic, continued to develop Wegovy as a weight-loss alternative using the same key ingredient, semaglutide, supply difficulties persist.
This is proving particularly problematic for type 2 diabetics who need Ozempic to help regulate their blood sugar levels.
Experts say shortages are expected to continue into next year, fueling illicit online trade.
Nick Kaye, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, said: ‘Pharmacists remain deeply concerned that the current medicines shortage crisis could lead to an explosion in the unlicensed sale of medicines online.
‘Ozempic stocks are very low. It is important that priority continues to be given to those who are most in clinical need.
‘Given the precarious state of supply of this and other vital medicines, there is a much greater risk that people will seek to order supplies from disreputable online sellers.’
He said the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) had been informed that stocks of 0.25mg, 0.5mg and 1mg doses would not be available until December 27.
He added: “In our experience it is much less likely to be before then and much more likely to be after.” Ozempic is available on the NHS for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, while patients who want Wegovy must be on specialist weight loss programmes and have a body mass index of more than 30.
But there is growing concern that people are circumventing strict criteria by obtaining private prescriptions online, often without full medical consultations or sufficient checks on providers.
Weight-loss drugs have gained popularity as the UK and other wealthy countries battle an obesity crisis (file image)
Known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, these medications work by reducing food cravings and causing the stomach to empty more slowly, leading to weight loss.
People usually start taking Ozempic at the lowest dose of 0.25mg, before working their way up if necessary. The NPA, which represents more than 5,000 community pharmacies, said its popularity had led to a shortage of the drug for people with diabetes, while also fuelling a rise in counterfeit vaccines.
The Department of Health and Social Care has warned providers not to prescribe medicines off-label and to reserve existing stock for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Patients are advised to check that online providers are registered and regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council or the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland.
The NPA also wants to see a reintroduction of rules making it mandatory for a list of regulated UK online drug sellers to be publicly available, which it says were scrapped after Brexit.
Mr Kaye said: “We believe this move will help improve patient safety. Medicines are not like ordinary products sold online. They must be handled with great care because they have the power to harm as well as to heal.”
‘We urge anyone who has concerns about a medicine purchased online to consult their local pharmacist for advice.’
The Department of Health and Social Care has warned providers not to prescribe drugs off-label and to reserve existing stock for patients with type 2 diabetes (Ozempic stock image)
The World Health Organization issued a safety alert in June about potentially deadly batches of fake Ozempic circulating in the UK.
Last fall, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed it had seized hundreds of fake vaccines claiming to be from Ozempic.
A Department of Health spokesman said: ‘We strongly advise the public not to buy regulated medicines from unlicensed online retailers or beauty salons as they could be dangerous.
‘The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is continually working to identify those who trade in medicines illegally and will use its powers to take appropriate enforcement action, including, where necessary, prosecuting those who put people’s health at risk. We are also taking steps to tackle the obesity crisis head on, shifting our focus from treatment to prevention, which will ease pressure on the NHS and help people live well for longer.’