Pharmacists Warn Against Unregulated Sales of Weight-Loss Jabs
Pharmacists Warn Against Unregulated Sales of Weight-Loss Jabs.
Pharmacy leaders have reiterated their concerns regarding the online distribution of weight-loss injections, emphasizing the ongoing risks to patient safety.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has urged regulators to implement stricter regulations in a recent correspondence, highlighting instances where individuals with a history of eating disorders or those with already low body weight have been inappropriately prescribed these medications.
They advocate for a comprehensive consultation with the patient that lasts a minimum of 20 minutes, rather than depending solely on online questionnaires for the prescription of drugs like Wegovy or Mounjaro.
"It is also important to ensure that clinical decisions regarding weight loss injections are not influenced by financial targets or incentives," NPA chairman Nick Kaye said.
The NPA has communicated with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), expressing concerns that existing regulations permit the distribution of medications without sufficient oversight, thereby posing a continued risk to patient safety.
This appeal arises in the context of anticipated increased demand for weight-loss injections this year, as government officials aim to broaden the availability of this treatment within the NHS.
Mr Kaye told the PA news agency: "Obesity is one of the biggest challenges facing our country and pharmacies want to play their part in helping patients lose and maintain a healthy weight.
"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."
Hundreds of thousands of people are estimated to get their prescriptions privately through online pharmacies.
Weight-loss jabs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, work by reducing food cravings.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has previously advised patients against purchasing weight loss injections from unregulated online vendors, as these may be distributing counterfeit medications.
It is also essential to review an individual's medical history prior to sellers determining the appropriateness of dispensing a weight-loss injection, and ongoing evaluations should be conducted, as stated by the NPA.
Ashley Cohen from the National Pharmacy Association noted that although these weight loss injections are intended for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, there is a growing trend of individuals classified as the "worried well" seeking them as a form of lifestyle enhancement.
In an interview on BBC Breakfast, Mr. Cohen cautioned that these injections can lead to significant side effects, such as gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, and gallstones.
A representative from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) emphasized that all pharmacies, including online ones, are required to ensure that their service delivery methods protect the health, safety, and well-being of both patients and the general public.
They added: "We have published guidance specifically for the safe and effective provision of pharmacy services at a distance which we expect online pharmacies in Great Britain to follow.
"We will be issuing an updated version shortly, which will set out additional safeguards around high-risk medicines, including medicines used for weight management."
Weight-loss injections should be considered a last resort, primarily for individuals struggling with obesity or those who have not had success with traditional weight-loss methods, such as diet and exercise. These injections, while effective for some, come with potential risks, especially when used by individuals who do not meet the necessary criteria for their use. When prescribed inappropriately, they can lead to serious side effects like gastrointestinal issues, nausea, and even gallstones.
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The growing trend of "worried well" individuals seeking these treatments for cosmetic reasons is concerning, as they may not fully understand the potential dangers or the lack of necessity for the medication. It is essential that these injections are prescribed only after thorough consultations, ensuring that they are part of a comprehensive, medically supervised weight-loss plan. Stricter regulations are necessary to protect patient safety and prevent misuse of these powerful medications.
