There is concern that a shortage of the diabetes drug Ozempic could lead to a rise in the use of fake weight-loss injections, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has warned. The product, which is licensed for treating diabetes, has become popular for weight loss. However, it is not currently licensed for that purpose. There are reports that some doctors have been prescribing it off label. The drug is now in short supply, due to high demand, and this has led to the emergence of counterfeit medication.
Another brand of semaglutide called Wegovy has been licensed for weight loss management and is both available and recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The NPA, which represents 5,000 independent community pharmacies, is urging people not to buy medicines online from unregulated or unregistered UK sellers. The regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) reported a limited number of people hospitalised due to potential side effects of fake medication last year.
Pharmacists are concerned that this shortage could lead to an increase in the unlicensed distribution of medication online, a growing trend already noted by experts. NPA Chairman Nick Kaye is urging pharmacists and potential buyers to remain vigilant, emphasizing that while there is much greater risk of counterfeit medication in the market, people should concentrate on consulting physicians before attempting to use unregulated medicines.
The Department of Health and Social Care has also been vocal and advising providers not to prescribe the drugs off label for weight loss. The agency also stressed that existing stock must be reserved for patients with type 2 diabetes. A spokesman warned against buying regulated medicines from unauthorised online retailers, citing the possibility of dangerous consequences.
As obesity rates are rising, the government is adopting a policy that focuses on prevention rather than just treatment, in an effort to address the issue holistically.
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