The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has raised alarms regarding a surge in “unscrupulous and unauthorised” sellers promoting semaglutide products online. In light of serious health risks associated with sourcing such drugs improperly, the HPRA urges the public to only obtain GLP-1 medicines, like Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, from registered pharmacies with a valid prescription from a healthcare professional.
Recent enforcement efforts by the HPRA have led to the detention of 1,401 units of uncertified GLP-1 products in 2024 alone, a stark increase from 568 units in 2023 and only 40 in 2022. These products, which come in various forms, including tablets and injectable pens, pose significant risks, as consumers cannot be assured of their safety or quality.
Many of the detained products were discovered in non-healthcare environments, including beauty and cosmetic treatment facilities. The HPRA emphasizes that consumers cannot know whether these products have undergone necessary safety assessments.
A spokesperson for the HPRA remarked, “Accessing such products outside of the legitimate medicine supply chain could pose serious health risks,” indicating that the challenge is part of a broader issue seen in other markets, with similar warnings issued across Europe, the UK, US, and Australia.
The rising trend of unapproved medications online is a global concern, and consumers are urged to stay vigilant and prioritize their health by sourcing medications only from reputable and licensed providers.
Source: Irish Mirror
