Online pharmacies will now be required to implement stricter verification processes before dispensing weight-loss injections, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, to prevent misuse. These new measures aim to stop individuals who are already at a healthy weight or have a history of eating disorders from obtaining these medications inappropriately.
Under the new guidance issued by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), online pharmacies can no longer rely solely on online questionnaires or photo submissions when prescribing these medications. Instead, they must conduct in-person or video consultations to verify a patient’s body mass index (BMI) and obtain supporting medical records from a general practitioner (GP).
Pharmacists who fail to comply with these rules risk facing enforcement actions, including fitness-to-practise investigations and operational restrictions. These measures aim to ensure that weight-loss drugs are only provided to individuals who meet the necessary medical criteria.
The GPhC has raised concerns over unsafe prescribing practices among some online pharmacies, particularly regarding the pressure to process a high volume of prescriptions. Reports indicate that some pharmacies set internal targets, prioritizing efficiency over patient safety.
To mitigate these risks, prescribers will now be required to actively share dispensing details with patients’ GPs. This step aims to provide better oversight and reduce the risk of patients receiving unnecessary or harmful treatments.
Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive of the GPhC, emphasized the importance of these new rules, stating, “We know online pharmacy services can provide a very valuable service, but through our inspections and investigations, we’ve seen too many cases of medicines being supplied inappropriately online and putting people at risk.”
Previously used to help manage type 2 diabetes, semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have become popular for weight loss. However, their increasing demand has led to global shortages and a rise in counterfeit products. Due to these concerns, the NHS now classifies these medications as “high risk,” meaning they require extra safeguards to prevent misuse.
Weight-loss injections work by mimicking gut hormones that help regulate appetite. Specifically, semaglutide affects the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone, which signals fullness after eating, while tirzepatide also influences glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), helping to control metabolism.
These drugs are typically administered via weekly self-injections into the upper arm, thigh, or stomach. Patients start on a low dose that is gradually increased to ensure tolerability.
Research has shown that weight-loss injections can significantly improve heart health. A recent study found that patients using these medications experienced lower rates of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and high blood pressure. This suggests that, beyond weight reduction, these drugs may offer broader health benefits.
Despite these advantages, the stricter regulations highlight the importance of using weight-loss injections responsibly. By enforcing rigorous patient screening and improving communication with healthcare providers, the GPhC aims to enhance patient safety while maintaining access for those who genuinely need the treatment.
As weight-loss injections continue to gain popularity, ensuring proper prescribing practices will be essential in balancing accessibility with the need for medical oversight.
