The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is reminding the public not to buy weight-loss medicines without a prescription from healthcare professionals.
This New Year, the UK regulator warned individuals against purchasing such medicines from beauty salons or social media platforms, as it poses significant health risks and is illegal.
The MHRA states that its criminal enforcement unit monitors various social media platforms and technology companies to prevent the illegal sale of weight-loss medicines online. The regulator explains its actions include removing posts and suspending accounts that sell weight-loss medicines without a prescription.
Andy Morling, MHRA deputy director of criminal enforcement, commented, “At this time of year, many think about losing weight quickly. However, weight-loss medicines offered without a healthcare professional’s prescription are not cosmetic treatments but powerful medicines. These can only be legally and safely dispensed with a prescription.”
