The UK's medical regulator has issued a stark new year warning to the public over the dangers of buying weight-loss medications from social media and illicit online sellers, following a major seizure of counterfeit drugs.
Black Market Boom for Weight-Loss Jabs
With high demand, limited NHS access, and significant costs for prescription medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro, a booming black market has emerged. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) stresses that purchasing from these unregulated sources poses a severe risk to health.
In October, the MHRA executed a raid on a factory in Northampton, confiscating unlicensed weight-loss drugs with an estimated street value of over £250,000. Among the seized items were injection pens for retatrutide, an experimental drug not authorised for use in the UK.
Illegal Sellers Continue to Operate Online
Despite the enforcement action, an investigation found that the company linked to the seized products, Alluvi Healthcare Ltd, continued to advertise replicas of the unlicensed retatrutide on multiple Telegram channels. This highlights the persistent and evolving threat posed by illegal online pharmacies and social media sellers.
Jenn Matthissen from the MHRA's safety team warned: "People often look for ways to support their health at this time of year, but buying medicines from illegal online sellers can put your health at real risk." She urged the public to only use authorised products from legitimate sources and consult a healthcare professional.
Major Risks from Counterfeit Medications
The MHRA has repeatedly warned about beauty salons, fake pharmacy websites, and social media posts illegally selling prescription medications. Key red flags include posts offering unusually low prices, "miracle results," or "quick fixes."
Products bought from these sources could be counterfeit, contaminated, or contain incorrect doses. They may also include dangerous, unlisted ingredients. Furthermore, illicit sellers often fail to store these temperature-sensitive drugs correctly, which can impair their safety and effectiveness.
Banks have also reported related scams, with victims losing an average of £120. Health minister Dr Zubir Ahmed, a practising doctor, stated: "These products are made with no regard for safety or quality and pose a major risk to unwitting customers. Don't line the pockets of criminals who don't care about your health."
He reiterated that safe, licensed obesity drugs should only be obtained from a registered pharmacy with a valid prescription.
