Online pharmacies in the UK are facing stricter regulations on the prescribing of weight-loss injections, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, following concerns over inappropriate prescription practices.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has announced a tightening of rules to prevent the misuse of these popular drugs, which have shown significant efficacy in clinical trials.
The new regulations will prohibit pharmacies from relying solely on online questionnaires to prescribe high-risk medications, including weight-loss injections.
Instead, verification of patient information must be conducted independently, using methods such as video consultations or direct communication with the patient’s general practitioner.
This move comes after a Guardian investigation highlighted instances where online pharmacies had issued weight-loss drugs to individuals who did not meet the necessary medical criteria, including those of a healthy weight or those who misrepresented their weight to qualify for the medication.
Duncan Rudkin, CEO of the GPhC, emphasized the importance of proper consultation between prescribers and patients to ensure the safety and suitability of medications.
He warned that the GPhC would take action against non-compliance, which could include imposing restrictions on pharmacies, suspending operations, or taking action against pharmacy owners and pharmacists.
The updated guidelines also address the advertising and promotion of these medications, aligning with regulations from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to prevent inappropriate marketing practices.
However, Dr. Piotr Ozieranski from the University of Bath expressed concerns about the practicality of verifying a patient’s weight and height through video calls and the challenges of accessing GP records amid high demand for weight-loss drugs.
He also highlighted the lack of guidance on managing long-term side effects and the potential financial conflicts of interest among pharmacists and pharmacies.
Nick Kaye, chair of the National Pharmacy Association, welcomed the new guidelines, noting that while most pharmacies adhere to good practices, it is crucial for patients to avoid unregulated sellers, such as beauty salons, which pose significant health risks.
The GPhC’s reforms aim to ensure that the use of weight-loss injections is safely managed and that patient care is not compromised by commercial pressures.
