Surge in black market Ozempic sales in Ireland spark health concerns

Sophie Collins

Ozempic has been the hot topic of conversation lately

From celebrities, influencers and your average Joe sharing their weight loss experiences with Ozempic online, the interest in this drug is skyrocketing.

In 2024, the black market for Ozempic has also seen a significant increase alongside the quick-fix trend, raising concerns among healthcare professionals.

Dr. Michael Crotty, in a recent interview with Newstalk, highlighted the growing issue of people buying the drug illegally. He said that the number of illegal drugs seized by authorities has surged this year, reflecting a troubling trend.

Dr. Crotty expressed concern over the potential risks associated with this illegal way of obtaining the weight loss drug.

He pointed out that patients who get their hands on Ozempic through legitimate channels benefit from a necessary health assessment conducted by their healthcare provider.

“Somebody who is getting this medication from their doctor, from a specialist will have a full health assessment done, they’ll know how these medications work, why they work, how they should be used,” Dr. Crotty explained.

When taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional, it helps ensure that patients understand how to use the medication safely and effectively, as well as how to manage potential side effects.

While those who are getting Ozempic from unregulated sources might face significant risks. Dr. Crotty warned that people who purchase the drug online or from unauthorised sellers might experience more severe side effects or may not achieve the intended benefits.

“The concern would be if somebody’s getting these medications online or from somebody who is not aware of how to use them appropriately, then people [might develop] more side effects, they [might] maybe not get the same benefits from the medication and maybe they shouldn’t be on them in the first place,” he said.

Ozempic – originally a drug for diabetes – which is now being used for weight loss, is known to have side effects including nausea, heartburn, constipation, diarrhoea, and fatigue. As well as this, Dr. Crotty warned that stopping the medication abruptly could negate its benefits.

“If I stop taking the medication, then the ongoing benefit of the treatment is not there,” he said. “So, people will regain weight and people will need to be on these treatments long-term.”

The issue is particularly pertinent in Ireland, where the Health Service Executive (HSE) reports that approximately 60% of adults are overweight, which marks one of the highest rates in Europe.

This high prevalence of people being overweight and struggling with obesity shows the growing demand for weight-loss treatments, making the black market for drugs like Ozempic an ongoing concern for public health.