The UK’s General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has announced stricter regulations for online pharmacies prescribing weight-loss medications. This move comes amid growing concerns about the safety of dispensing these drugs without proper oversight. The GPhC, which regulates pharmacies across the UK, has the authority to prevent them from supplying medications if necessary.
New Guidelines for Weight-Loss Drugs
The updated guidance specifically targets online pharmacies and their practices regarding weight-loss drugs. It is the first major update to the GPhC’s guidance in three years. A key change is the addition of GLP-1 receptor agonists to the “high-risk medicines” list. This category includes popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro, alongside other medications with potential for misuse, such as opioids and antibiotics. UK pharmacies must adhere to these new guidelines to ensure safety.
Addressing Concerns in the Online Market
The online market for obesity drugs has experienced a significant surge in the UK recently. Late last year, estimates suggested that approximately 500,000 people were obtaining these medications through private online platforms. This number far surpasses those receiving the same treatments through the National Health Service (NHS).
“We have identified concerning practices in the online supply of these drugs,” says Louise Edwards, Chief Strategy Officer at the GPhC. Inspections and public reports have revealed these issues, prompting the regulator to take action. Since 2021, enforcement measures have been taken against at least a dozen UK pharmacies due to their handling of weight-loss medications.
Verification of Patient Information
The updated guidance mandates that online pharmacies must independently verify a patient’s weight, height, and/or body mass index (BMI) before prescribing any weight-loss drug. This verification can be done through various methods, including video consultations, accessing medical records, or contacting the patient’s doctor.
Stricter Measures for Prescribing
The GPhC is tightening the process for prescribing these medications. Online questionnaires and phone calls will no longer suffice as the sole means of verification for prescribing obesity drugs. These measures aim to ensure that patients receive appropriate care and minimize potential harm. Therefore, UK pharmacies need to implement stricter verification processes.
The Rise of Weight-Loss Injections
Wegovy, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, and Mounjaro, produced by Eli Lilly, have become frontrunners in the weight-loss drug market. These companies have achieved record profits due to the high demand for these medications. The World Health Organization acknowledges the potential of these drugs to address the global obesity crisis, but emphasizes the importance of integrating them with other health interventions.
Protecting Patient Safety
The GPhC’s updated guidance reflects a commitment to patient safety. By implementing stricter rules for online prescribing of obesity drugs, the regulator aims to curb potentially harmful practices and ensure responsible distribution of these medications. To fulfil this commitment, UK pharmacies must comply with these updated regulations.
