8 months ago
UK Health Agency Warns Against Unregulated Weight Loss Drugs
The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned people to be careful about using weight-loss drugs.
They said that buying these medicines from unregulated websites or social media can be dangerous.
These products might be fake, contaminated, or have unlisted ingredients that can cause serious health problems like heart issues, psychological effects, and very low blood sugar.
The MHRA advises people to get prescription-only medicines from registered pharmacies or legitimate retailers.
They also suggest talking to a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional before starting any weight-loss treatment.
The MHRA is responsible for making sure all medicines and medical devices in the UK are safe and effective.
Similarly, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also warned about the risks of using unapproved versions of certain drugs for weight loss.
The MHRA has warned about the serious risks of buying weight-loss products from unregulated websites or social media.
These products may be fake, contaminated, incorrectly dosed, or contain unlisted ingredients.
Potential dangerous side effects include heart problems, psychological effects, and dangerously low blood sugar.
The MHRA advises obtaining prescription-only medicines from registered pharmacies or legitimate retailers.
People are urged to avoid weight-loss products promoted on social media, especially those promising quick fixes or unusually low prices.
- Who
- UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Health Minister Zubir Ahmed
- What
- Warning against the use of unregulated weight-loss drugs
- Where
- United Kingdom
- When
- Issued in a press statement on Monday
- Why
- To ensure the safety and effectiveness of weight-loss medicines
Key facts
- Agency
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
- Warning
- Risks of buying weight-loss products from unregulated websites or social media
- Potential Risks
- Fake, contaminated, incorrectly dosed, or contain unlisted ingredients
- Dangerous Side Effects
- Heart problems, psychological effects, and dangerously low blood sugar
- Advice
- Obtain prescription-only medicines from registered pharmacies or legitimate retailers
- Health Minister
- Zubir Ahmed
- MHRA Responsibility
- Regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK
- FDA Warning
- Unapproved versions of certain drugs for weight loss are risky
Quotes
Zubir Ahmed
UK's Health Minister and practising doctor
“Safe, appropriate, licensed obesity drugs can greatly benefit those with a clinical need but should be obtained from a registered pharmacy against a valid prescription.”
assamtribune.com
Jenn Matthissen
Member of the MHRA's Safety and Surveillance team
“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. Always make sure you are using authorised products from legitimate sources and speak to a healthcare professional for advice on safe, evidence-based options.”
assamtribune.com
