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26th November 2024
12:03pm GMT
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has issued a serious warning to the public about the dangers of buying GLP-1 medicines, such as semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide, from unregulated and illegal suppliers.
These medications, often marketed as weight-loss aids under names like Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, and Mounjaro, should only be taken if they’ve been prescribed through a registered pharmacy with a valid prescription.
The HPRA has revealed a huge surge in the detention of illegal GLP-1 products in Ireland.
So far in 2024, the agency has confiscated 1,401 units of these types of products - more than double the 568 units seized in 2023 and a staggering increase from just 40 units in 2022.
These illegal products include tablets, pens, and vials containing powder or liquid, some of which were discovered in non-healthcare settings, such as beauty and cosmetic treatment clinics.
People buying these products online or from unauthorised sources are taking significant health risks, because there is no guarantee of the safety, authenticity, or quality of the substances they contain.
Grainne Power, the HPRA’s Director of Compliance, spoke of the severe risks posed by unverified GLP-1 medicines.
“It’s alarming to see consumers willing to take such dangerous risks to their health by purchasing illegal medicines online and from unregulated sources,” Power said.
“No authorised version of semaglutide exists in powder form, nor are there any authorised generic versions.
“Any such products promoted online are likely fake and potentially dangerous to those who take them.”
She stressed that prescription medicines, including GLP-1 drugs, should only be taken under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals and obtained from licensed pharmacies.
Illegally sourced products can contain harmful substances or incorrect dosages, putting consumers at risk of serious health complications.
The HPRA is working closely with An Garda Síochána and Revenue’s Customs Service to curb the unauthorised importation and distribution of GLP-1 medicines and other health products.
The agency is also collaborating with international regulatory and law enforcement bodies to share intelligence and disrupt the global trade of counterfeit and dangerous medical products.
The HPRA is urging the public to stay informed about the dangers of purchasing prescription medicines online and to report any suspicious activities related to GLP-1 products.
Reports can be made confidentially by emailing reportacase@hpra.ie or calling 01 634 3871.
