Counterfeit weight reduction medication will ‘soar on the black market’ as ‘miracle’ capsule authorised
The Wegovy tablet, made by Novo Nordisk, has been approved as a weight loss drug in pill form. But pharmacists fear there will be a rise in fake and unlicensed versions
Experts fear counterfeit versions will surge on the black market(Image: Getty Images)
Pharmacists are bracing themselves for a surge in counterfeit black market weight loss drugs being offered for sale by crooks after the “miracle” medicines were approved in pill form.
Experts reckon there could be a rise in fake and unlicensed versions of the flab-busting drug being marketed by criminals in tablet form after they go on general release from Monday (July 6). The Wegovy tablet made by Novo Nordisk became the first GLP-1 pill for weight loss to be given the green light by the UK’s medicines regulator last month.
The lowest doses – 1.5 mg and 4mg – will be available as part of weight management programmes in some pharmacies for eligible punters.
But a poll of 310 pharmacies by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) found 97% were concerned making Wegovy available in tablet form could lead to an increase in dodgy pills being sold.
The NPA warned patients to only access the drug – dubbed a “silver bullet” for weight reduction – through regulated pharmacies after a thorough consultation.
Olivier Picard, chairman of the NPA said: “Pharmacies are concerned about a dangerous and growing black market for weight loss medicines, with tablet form of medication likely to be easier for criminals to counterfeit.
“Patients should be wary of sites offering medicines at a cost that is too good to be true or providers who are not offering consultations before prescribing.
“If anyone is concerned by a medicine they have bought online, they should speak to their local pharmacist for advice. Weight loss medication is not a silver bullet and won’t be suitable for all patients but it can help those who are eligible achieve a healthy weight, along with sustained changes to diet and lifestyle.”
He added: “This is a significant day and pharmacies are bracing themselves for a surge in demand for this new form of weight loss treatment. This is particularly significant for patients who cannot or do not want to take an injectable medicine.
“The NHS rollout remains extremely slow and community pharmacy is ready to support a wider rollout, which will help eligible patients access treatment safely and help mitigate the impact of obesity on the NHS.”
The survey also found 76% of pharmacies expect to see a wave of new eligible patients on the pill in the coming months. Around half (49%) told the poll they had experienced a surge in queries from people hoping to start treatment following Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approval in June.
