“Not worth the risk”: GP issues warning over black market weight loss jabs
Health warning after MHRA seize 12,000 doses of unlicensed weight-loss medicines
Last updated 15 hours ago
A Northampton GP is urging people to be cautious about where they obtain weight-loss injections, warning that unregulated products can pose serious health risks.
It comes as officers from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), supported by Northamptonshire Police, seized around 12,000 doses of unlicensed slimming jabs from a country estate near the town on May 28th.
Two men, both aged 29, were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. The property is believed to have been used to manufacture and distribute substances including retatrutide, tirzepatide and other peptide products.
Speaking separately about the growing demand for weight-loss injections, Northampton GP Dr Shefali Kotecha said patients should avoid buying treatments from unverified sources.
“When you buy weight-loss jabs from non-legitimate sources, there are so many dangers,” she said.
“They could be fake and might not work, but more concerningly they could be contaminated or contain toxic substances, which can be really dangerous and, in some cases, fatal.”
Dr Kotecha said people may also not be given the proper instructions needed to use the medication safely.
“With weight-loss jabs, you need to know how to use them correctly, how to store them, and what to look out for,” she said.
“If you’re buying from non-legit sources, you might not be fully instructed.”
She added that even licensed medications should only be used under professional supervision.
“These are medical treatments and they should only be supplied by a qualified healthcare professional.”
“Even legitimate medications come with risks and side effects, so it’s important you’re monitored so someone can help if you have issues.”
The MHRA described the seizure as its largest of illegal weight-loss medicines. Officers also recovered significant quantities of packaging materials and suspected pharmaceutical ingredients used in production.
Andy Morling, head of the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit, said the operation had disrupted a large-scale criminal operation.
“This shows there is no hiding place for those who put the public’s health at risk for profit,” he said.
“By dismantling this production facility, we are confident significant harm has been prevented.”
Authorities say demand for weight-loss injections has increased sharply in recent years, alongside a rise in the illegal supply of unlicensed products.
The MHRA is urging people to only obtain medicines from regulated pharmacies or healthcare professionals, and to report any suspected side effects through its Yellow Card scheme.