Why pharmacists are calling for tougher regulations on weight loss jab prescriptions
A lack of regulation for weight-loss jabs means vulnerable people are being wrongly prescribed the medication, say pharmacists.
Weight-loss jabs are available for controlling diabetes and obesity and are intended for people with a BMI of over 27. However, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has said it is aware that people who have previously had eating disorders or whose bodyweight was already low are being prescribed the drug online.
It's calling for tougher rules around online sales of the drugs, urging regulator the General Pharmaceutical Council to introduce a required two-way consultation lasting at least 20 minutes before dispensing 'higher-risk' medication. Currently, the medication can be dispensed using questionnaires alone.
What the National Pharmacy Association has said
Nick Kaye, chair of the NPA, said: 'Weight-loss injections can play an important role in efforts to tackle obesity when prescribed as part of a carefully managed treatment programme for patients who are most in need of support.
'However, we are concerned that the current regulations allow some patients to inappropriately access weight-loss injections without proper consultation or examination of historical medical records.'
He added: 'There’s nothing wrong with online services in principle, but it’s important the regulator takes this opportunity to make compulsory a full consultation before dispensing high-risk medication such as weight-loss injections and ensure supply is prioritised for those in most clinical need, including those with type 2 diabetes.
'Medicines are not like ordinary 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 who is unsure about medicine to speak to their pharmacist for advice.'
Weight-loss jab controversy
Online sales of weight-loss drugs, including WeGovy and Mounjaro, have been criticised since they were introduced. The World Health Organisation has previously issued warnings about the unregulated market which has led to an influx of fake Ozempic that come with dangerous side effects.
Even legitimate weight-loss jabs can be dangerous in the wrong hands, with people who don't have diabetes or obesity accessing the drugs.
Ashley Cohen of the NPA told BBC Breakfast that increasing numbers of the 'worried well' are using the jabs as 'lifestyle medication', despite the serious side effects of stomach upsets, nausea and gallstones.
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