Fake weight loss injections arriving to NI 'wrapped in kitchen roll'
Advertised weight loss injections ordered online to Northern Ireland, arrived "wrapped in kitchen roll with no labels or guidance of what they contained", it's been reported.
An investigation by BBC News NI revealed that so-called weight loss jabs, bought via social media, were delivered in unhygienic and unsafe conditions.
In a report online, it stated that BBC News NI made test purchases from a Facebook account. The seller was based in England and it was claimed that the syringes contained semaglutide, a prescription-only drug. But on arrival to Northern Ireland, they were screened by a Queen's University Professor, and found that they did not contain semaglutide.
READ MORE: 'Unlawful distribution and misuse' of Ozempic and Mounjaro prompts Department of Health statement
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It's reported that the liquid within the syringes was a supplement that can be bought on the high street, by the name of carnitine.
The Department of Health said it is continuing to take "decisive action" against the illegal promotion, supply or misuse of medicines in Northern Ireland.
It comes after reports of the misuse of medications which are used to treat type 2 diabetes and/or weight loss and weight management in addition to diet and physical activity. A spokesperson for the DoH said their team "remains vigilant" in monitoring "the illicit marketplace".
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