Online pharmacies in the UK are facing a significant shift in how they operate when it comes to prescribing and dispensing weight-loss injections such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. In a bid to protect patient safety and maintain responsible use of these increasingly popular drugs, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has introduced new guidance that requires more rigorous checks and face-to-face consultation procedures before prescriptions can be issued. The changes are aimed at curbing the misuse of these potent medications and ensuring they are only supplied to individuals who genuinely meet the medical criteria for treatment.
Under the revised rules, online pharmacies will no longer be allowed to dispense weight-loss drugs based solely on online forms or photographs provided by patients. Instead, a more thorough process must be followed, involving either in-person or video consultations. These interactions are meant to allow healthcare professionals to verify the patient’s body mass index (BMI) accurately and gather comprehensive medical history, including information from general practitioners or official medical records. This step is crucial in preventing individuals who are already at a healthy weight or those with a background of eating disorders from accessing drugs that could pose serious health risks if misused.
The GPhC has emphasized that pharmacists and online providers who ignore these requirements could face severe consequences. These include professional investigations, inspections, and the imposition of improvement conditions. Duncan Rudkin, the chief executive of the GPhC, noted that while online pharmacies offer an accessible and convenient service, there have been growing concerns about unsafe prescribing practices. According to Rudkin, inspections have revealed multiple instances where these medications were dispensed inappropriately, thereby endangering patient health. He highlighted that, despite the value online services provide, safeguarding patient welfare must remain the top priority.
Weight-loss medications such as semaglutide (branded as Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have surged in popularity over recent years, partly due to their dual roles in managing type 2 diabetes and facilitating weight loss. Initially developed to help patients regulate blood-sugar levels, these drugs have proven effective in promoting feelings of satiety, leading to reduced food intake. Administered through weekly self-injections, these treatments work by mimicking natural hormones that signal fullness after eating, and in the case of tirzepatide, by also affecting hormones that regulate energy balance.
However, this surge in demand has led to global shortages and the circulation of counterfeit versions, increasing the urgency of proper oversight. The new regulations also classify weight-loss jabs as “high risk” medicines, which subjects them to additional safeguards and prescriptive conditions under NHS guidelines. To prevent fragmented care, prescribers are now required to actively communicate with a patient’s GP about any weight-loss drugs being dispensed, thereby ensuring a more coordinated approach to health management.
As the popularity of these drugs continues to rise, the emphasis now shifts to responsible prescribing and vigilant pharmacy practices. These new measures are a step toward balancing accessibility with safety, safeguarding patients from the risks associated with inappropriate use, and preserving the integrity of pharmaceutical care in the digital age.
