Pharmacists warn over sale of weight loss jab

Pharmacy leaders have issued a fresh warning over the online sale of weight loss jabs, insisting there is still a risk to patient safety.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has called for stricter rules in a letter to regulators to prevent people who have a pre-existing eating disorder or are already underweight from being prescribed medicines incorrectly. were being given.

He argues that access to drugs like Wegovi or Monjaro requires a two-way consultation with the patient lasting at least 20 minutes, rather than relying on online questionnaires.

NPA President Nick Kaye said, “It is also important to ensure that clinical decisions regarding weight loss injections are not influenced by financial goals or incentives.”

The NPA has written to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPHC), saying current rules leave the door open to the supply of medicines without proper checks “and remain at risk to patient safety”.

The call comes amid warnings of a surge in demand for weight loss drugs this year as ministers look to expand the rollout of the drug on the NHS.

Mr Kay 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 combat obesity when they are prescribed as part of a carefully managed treatment program for patients who most need help.

“However, we are concerned that the current rules allow some patients to access weight loss injections inappropriately without proper consultation or checking of historical medical records.”

It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people obtain their prescriptions privately through online pharmacies.

Weight loss jabs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, work by reducing food cravings.

NPA had earlier also urged patients to do so Avoid buying weight loss injections from unregulated online sellersWho can sell fake medicines.

It says a person’s medical history should also be examined and regularly reviewed before vendors decide whether to offer weight loss injections.

A spokesperson for the GPHC said that all pharmacies, including online ones, need to ensure that the way services are provided protects the health, safety and welfare of patients and the public.

He 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 soon release an updated version that will establish additional safeguards around high-risk medications, including those used for weight management.”