Stricter checks for online pharmacies prescribing weight-loss injections are coming into effect. The GPhC introduces new rules to protect patients.
New regulations are being implemented to tighten the rules around online pharmacies prescribing weight-loss injections. This change comes after concerns were raised about prescriptions being given inappropriately, particularly to individuals with eating disorders or those who are already at a healthy weight.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is introducing these stricter checks to ensure patient safety. Pharmacies will no longer be able to prescribe weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro based solely on online questionnaires or photos submitted by patients.
New Verification Requirements
Under the new guidelines, verifying a patient’s body mass index (BMI) will require more robust methods. Acceptable verification methods include:
- In-person consultations
- Video consultations
- Accessing GP or medical records
A simple phone call will not be considered adequate for verifying patient information when prescribing weight loss medication.
The prescriber also has a responsibility to actively share relevant information about the prescription with other healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s care. If the patient does not have a regular prescriber, such as a GP, or if they do not consent to sharing information, the prescriber must decide whether it is safe to proceed with the prescription.
Enforcement and Consequences
Pharmacies that fail to comply with these new guidelines may face enforcement action. This can include:
- Fitness-to-practise investigations
- Inspections
- Improvement plans
- Conditions placed on the pharmacy’s registration
Weight loss injections have also been added to the list of “high-risk” medicines, requiring extra safeguards during the prescription process.
Reactions to the New Guidelines
Duncan Rudkin, chief executive of the GPhC, stated that inspections and investigations have revealed “too many cases of medicines being supplied inappropriately online and putting people at risk.” He believes the updated guidance will help online pharmacies protect their patients, and expects them to implement these safeguards immediately.
The GPhC is collaborating with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to address inappropriate advertising and promotion of these medications.
Nick Kaye, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), expressed his hope that the updated advice would “help to protect the safety of patients.” He also noted that most pharmacies, including online sellers, already adhere to good practices in this area.
Phil Day, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, stated their support for any move to improve patient safety. He confirmed they have been working with the GPhC, CQC, and other medical professional bodies to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for this new generation of weight loss drugs.
Context of Weight Loss Jabs
Weight loss injections, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, work by reducing food cravings. These medications can be prescribed on the NHS to individuals with a high BMI. Additionally, many people access these drugs through online pharmacies.
Call for Vigilance
The National Pharmacy Association advises patients to avoid unregulated sellers of medication, such as beauty salons, who could pose a serious risk to their health.
Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yeklrer39o
https://news.sky.com/story/tougher-rules-on-weight-loss-jabs-after-people-with-eating-disorders-get-prescriptions-13302737
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/feb/04/uk-online-pharmacies-rules-wegovy-mounjaro-ozempic