Online pharmacies in the UK will now have to implement stricter verification measures before dispensing weight-loss injections, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, amid growing concerns over unsafe prescribing practices and supply shortages.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has introduced new rules requiring in-person or video consultations to verify patient eligibility, including body mass index (BMI) checks and medical history reviews.
Under the updated regulations, online pharmacies will no longer be allowed to issue prescriptions based solely on online questionnaires or photographs.
Patients seeking semaglutide or tirzepatide-based weight-loss medications must undergo a more thorough assessment, with prescribing pharmacists required to actively share relevant information with the patient’s general practitioner.
The move aims to prevent misuse of these high-risk drugs, particularly by individuals with a healthy weight or a history of eating disorders.
The GPhC has also warned that pharmacies failing to comply could face enforcement actions, including fitness-to-practise investigations, inspections, and mandatory improvement plans.
Concerns Over Unsafe Prescribing
GPhC chief executive Duncan Rudkin emphasized the importance of safety in online prescribing, highlighting concerns over the inappropriate supply of medicines.
“We know online pharmacy services can provide a very valuable service,” Rudkin said. “But through our inspections and investigations, we’ve seen too many cases of medicines being supplied inappropriately online and putting people at risk.”
Reports suggest that some online pharmacies have been setting prescription processing targets, potentially compromising patient safety.
By introducing stricter checks, regulators hope to curb reckless prescribing practices and prevent individuals who do not meet NHS criteria from obtaining the drugs.
The Rise of Weight-Loss Jabs and Their Risks
Semaglutide (sold as Wegovy) and tirzepatide (marketed as Mounjaro) were initially developed to help type 2 diabetes patients regulate their blood sugar levels.
However, their appetite-suppressing effects have led to widespread use as weight-loss aids, causing global shortages and an influx of counterfeit products.
Both medications are administered via weekly self-injections into the upper arm, thigh, or stomach. They work by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which triggers a feeling of fullness after eating.
Tirzepatide also influences the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) hormone, which helps regulate metabolism and energy balance.
With growing demand for these treatments, regulators are now treating them as high-risk medicines, requiring additional safeguards.
They are currently available on the NHS under strict criteria, typically prescribed only to patients with a BMI of 35 or higher and at least one weight-related health condition, such as hypertension or diabetes.
Impact on Patient Health
Recent studies have shown that weight-loss injections can provide significant cardiovascular benefits beyond reducing body weight.
Research indicates that patients taking these medications experience lower rates of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and high blood pressure, reinforcing their medical value.
However, healthcare professionals warn of potential side effects, including nausea, digestive issues, and long-term metabolic effects, underscoring the need for cautious prescribing.
As regulatory bodies tighten control over online sales, the new measures aim to ensure that weight-loss drugs are prescribed responsibly, prioritizing patient safety over commercial interests.
