Latest news with #GeneralPharmaceuticalCouncil
BBC News
02-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
'Skinny jabs' too easy to order online, GP warns
A GP has called for tighter checks to prevent so-called "skinny jabs" being sold online to people who do not meet the criteria for Ali Ilyas, from Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, said patients had admitted using weight-loss drugs such as such as Wegovy and Mounjaro without qualifying for to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPC), online pharmacies should verify people are suitable for the injections through an "appropriate consultation" or by accessing medical during two test purchases, the BBC was able to obtain drugs simply by falsifying the applicant's weight and supplying photographs. Dr Ilyas said: "It's happening a lot, people going on to these online providers and getting their way around by filling out simple online forms without any actual consultation."On average we probably get 15 to 20 requests every day for the weight loss injections. "We can point them to the relevant weight loss services but they still might not be able to get the injections." Dr Ilyas said it was the responsibility of the prescriber or provider "to make sure that they are doing the right thing"."People should be aware that if they are getting something like this without any appropriate consultation it might lead them to serious harm," he added. Official guidelines Guidelines from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence state weight-loss injections should only be offered to an adult who is obese with a BMI of at least 35 and a pre-existing weight-related health February 2025, the GPC introduced new rules which said online pharmacies should not rely solely on an online questionnaire and should independently verify the person's weight, height and/or body mass two online pharmacies, MedExpress and Juniper, prescribed drugs within days after the BBC's reporter filled in an online questionnaire and provided details of their medical history and GP, with no in-person or virtual said "a deviation from protocols was identified which does not reflect our usual practice and we will be taking the appropriate action"."Juniper is committed to providing safe and responsible access to prescription-only weight loss medications in strict accordance with all applicable guidelines," the company said in a statement."All patients are assessed by qualified prescribers with expertise in this treatment area to ensure the appropriateness and safety of every medication that is supplied. "We take our responsibility for patient safety extremely seriously and are looking into this matter with the utmost urgency."MedExpress was contacted for comment. Weight-loss injections such as Wegovy and Mounjaro work by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).This is an intestinal hormone which is released after eating, and typically makes people feel drugs are available on the NHS in England, Wales and Scotland, but must be prescribed by a weight management service. However, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people are getting prescriptions privately through online pharmacies. Rebecca Quarmby, 32, from Goole, began ordering Mounjaro from an online pharmacy four months ago, before the rules were tightened. She said she wanted to lose a stone in weight after giving birth. "I've always struggled losing weight," she said. "I was flicking through TikTok and Mounjaro was constantly popping up. "I've got friends who are on it and I just thought I'm going to try it. "It was a very easy process – all I had to do was fill out a simple questionnaire about my weight. "I did lie about my weight just to meet the threshold so that I could definitely be eligible for it. "All they wanted was two pictures, but that was it and I got the pen within 24 hours." Side effects Ms Quarmby said she was thinking of coming off the drug after suffering hair loss, which she believes could be linked to the medication. "To begin with I was very tired and, as weeks went past, I also started to see symptoms like hair loss. I brush my hair and it comes out in small clumps."Hair loss is listed as a "common" side effect in the drug's patient information leaflet. The most common include feeling sick, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation and diarrhoea while, in rare cases, serious side effects can include acute pancreatitis and severe allergic reactions. During the BBC's test purchases, both MedExpress and Juniper provided warnings about the potential side effects from taking the drugs. In a statement, Roz Gittins, the GPC's chief pharmacy officer, said that, since February, weight-management drugs had been on the list of high-risk medicines requiring extra safeguards before being prescribed. "We expect the pharmacy team to always verify the information the person provides before the medicine is supplied, to ensure that it is suitable for them. "We continue to follow up on all concerns raised with us, and during our inspections, checking that GPhC-registered pharmacies are meeting our standards. "We will also continue to work closely with other regulators and take action when needed to protect the public."Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
BBC News
29-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Illegal Online Pharmacies
Using online health services can help you take control of your health by accessing care at a time that suits you. They are mostly legal and there are some online pharmacies which are unregistered, and therefore, illegal. These websites might look legitimate, but there's often no professional advice, unsafe dosage guidance, and no more information click on the below links:To read the General Pharmaceutical Council's updated guidance, click here, check if a pharmacy is registered in England, Scotland or Wales, click here, check if a pharmacy is registered in Northern Ireland, click here, #FakeMeds campaign, run by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), helps you protect your health and money. For more information and to remind yourself of the official logos to look out for on legitimate pharmacy websites, click here, report a fake pharmacy or a pharmacy website, report to Action Fraud here, you come across fake medication you can use the Yellow Card Scheme run by the MHRA to report by clicking here, external.
The Guardian
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Dangers of using beta blockers to treat anxiety
Your article (I'm taking beta blockers for my anxiety – and so are many of my friends. Is that a problem?, 20 May) highlights the increasing use of beta blockers, especially to manage situational anxiety. These medicines are the subject of a healthcare safety investigation report in 2020, specifically the toxicity of propranolol in overdose. In October 2024, the General Pharmaceutical Council published advice for pharmacy professionals also highlighting the risk of toxicity. GPs must exercise extreme caution when prescribing these medicines for anxiety, which is not recommended in national evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of anxiety and is associated with significant adverse outcomes. Christopher Sullivan Pharmacist, Newton Abbot, Devon After being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in 2020, I was prescribed beta blockers to lower my heart rate. I hated taking them as they made my symptoms – tiredness and brain fog – much worse. I stopped taking them and now have a pacemaker. I'm astounded to read that they are routinely prescribed for anxiety. I understand the need for a quick fix, but long term there have to be better coping strategies than taking medication for which there is 'no conclusive evidence' for its effectiveness and might be linked to higher rates of Richardson London Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Time Business News
18-05-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Understanding UK Pharmacy Regulations for Online Sleeping Pills
As more people turn to online pharmacies for their medication needs, understanding the regulations around purchasing sleeping tablets UK is crucial. In the UK, pharmacy regulations are in place to ensure that medications such as Diazepam 5mg and Zopiclone 7.5 mg are sold safely and effectively. Buying prescription medications and over the counter sleeping pills from an online pharmacy may seem convenient, but it's important to be informed about the legal requirements and guidelines. At UK Online Meds, we adhere to all UK pharmacy regulations to ensure that every product we sell is safe and legitimate. In this article, we'll explore UK pharmacy regulations, focusing on how to safely buy sleeping pills online and avoid the risks associated with unlicensed suppliers. The UK's pharmacy regulations aim to ensure the safety, quality, and legality of all medications. These regulations govern everything from the manufacture of medicines to how they're prescribed and dispensed. The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are the two primary organizations responsible for regulating pharmacies in the UK. These regulations are particularly important when purchasing sleeping tablets UK, as there are strict rules for selling prescription medications such as Diazepam and Zopiclone. Online pharmacies that fail to adhere to these regulations may sell counterfeit or unsafe products, putting your health at risk. The first step to ensuring that you're purchasing sleeping pills UK safely is to check whether the online pharmacy is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). This certification indicates that the pharmacy is licensed to sell medications and follows UK pharmacy laws. At UK Online Meds, we are fully accredited and compliant with all relevant regulations, ensuring that all medications, including Diazepam 5mg and Zopiclone 7.5 mg, are dispensed safely and legally. Medications like Diazepam are classified as prescription-only in the UK. This means you must have a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare professional to buy Diazepam online UK. If an online pharmacy offers to sell prescription medications without requiring a prescription, it's a major red flag and could indicate that they are operating illegally. Reputable online pharmacies like UK Online Meds require all customers to submit a prescription for any prescription-only medication, including Diazepam and other sedatives. This helps ensure that you are receiving the correct treatment for your condition. A legitimate online pharmacy should clearly display its licensing information and contact details. Look for a UK address and a customer service number or email. Additionally, ensure that the website uses SSL encryption to secure your personal and payment information. At UK Online Meds, we are transparent about our licensing and provide easy access to our customer service team, so you can always reach out if you have any concerns about your sleeping pills UK order. Reputable online pharmacies source their medications from licensed distributors and manufacturers. This ensures that the medications, including over the counter sleeping pills like Zopiclone 7.5 mg, are genuine and meet safety standards. Be wary of online pharmacies that don't provide clear information about where their medications come from. At UK Online Meds, we pride ourselves on sourcing our products from trusted suppliers who adhere to UK safety standards, so you can be confident in the quality of every product. While buying sleeping pills UK online can be convenient, purchasing from unlicensed or unregulated pharmacies can have serious risks: Counterfeit Medications : Without proper regulation, some online pharmacies may sell fake or substandard medications, which can be ineffective or even harmful. : Without proper regulation, some online pharmacies may sell fake or substandard medications, which can be ineffective or even harmful. Incorrect Dosing : Without the oversight of a healthcare professional, you might end up purchasing the wrong dosage of sleeping tablets over the counter or prescription drugs like Diazepam 5mg , increasing the risk of side effects. : Without the oversight of a healthcare professional, you might end up purchasing the wrong dosage of sleeping tablets over the counter or prescription drugs like , increasing the risk of side effects. Data Security Risks: Unregulated websites may not protect your personal or payment information, making you vulnerable to fraud and identity theft. At UK Online Meds, we prioritize your safety by adhering to strict regulations and ensuring the security of your personal information. The MHRA is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK. It ensures that all medications, including Zopiclone and Diazepam, meet safety, quality, and effectiveness standards before they can be sold to the public. The GPhC regulates pharmacies and pharmacists in the UK. It sets standards for the safe dispensing of medications and ensures that pharmacies operate ethically and legally. If an online pharmacy is not registered with the GPhC, it should be avoided. At UK Online Meds, we ensure that all our medications, from over the counter sleeping pills UK to prescription sedatives, are sourced from MHRA-approved suppliers and dispensed by GPhC-registered pharmacists. If you're looking to buy Diazepam, Zopiclone, or other sleeping pills UK online, it's essential to understand the pharmacy regulations that govern the sale of these medications. Always ensure that the online pharmacy you're using is licensed, secure, and follows all UK laws. At UK Online Meds, we adhere to the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance, so you can trust that you're getting the best care and medications. Whether you're looking to buy sleeping pills online or over the counter sleeping pills, we offer a safe and reliable platform for all your medication needs. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
16-05-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
discover About Buying Diazepam Online in UK
If you're considering buying Diazepam online in the UK, it's important to stay informed. Diazepam, often marketed under the brand name Valium, is a prescription medication widely used to treat conditions such as anxiety, muscle spasms, and insomnia. While buying Diazepam online offers convenience, it also comes with legal and safety concerns. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding the medication to ensuring you're purchasing from a legitimate source. Diazepam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by calming the brain and nerves, making it a popular option for managing conditions like anxiety disorders, muscle stiffness, and even withdrawal symptoms in alcohol dependence. Typically, Diazepam is available in various dosages, including Diazepam 5mg, which is commonly prescribed. The dosage and form depend on the condition being treated, and it's crucial that you use the medication exactly as recommended by your doctor. Yes, it is legal to buy Diazepam online in UK, but only if certain conditions are met. Diazepam is a prescription-only medicine (POM), which means you need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to purchase it. Under UK law, reputable online pharmacies are required to verify your prescription before dispensing Diazepam. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) regulates these transactions to ensure safety and compliance. However, buying Diazepam from unregulated websites or without a prescription is illegal and carries significant risks. When purchasing medication online, safety should be your top priority. Here's how you can make sure you're buying Diazepam online safely and legally in the UK: Look for online pharmacies registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) or verified by the MHRA. Websites often display their accreditation on their homepage. You can also cross-check their details on official regulatory websites. Legitimate pharmacies will always ask for a prescription. Be cautious of websites that claim you can buy Diazepam 5mg or other dosages without one. If a website claims to sell Diazepam at a significantly lower price than other pharmacies, it might be selling counterfeit or substandard medication. Be skeptical of websites advertising phrases like 'direct online pills' without requiring verification. Legitimate online pharmacies provide secure payment methods. Avoid sketchy platforms that ask for payment through untraceable methods like cryptocurrency. Taking Diazepam without a prescription can be dangerous for several reasons. A doctor conducts a thorough evaluation before prescribing Diazepam, ensuring the medication is appropriate for your condition and that the dosage is safe. Self-medicating with Diazepam without professional guidance increases the risk of dependency, overdose, and harmful drug interactions. Additionally, a prescription helps legitimate pharmacies ensure you're taking the correct dosage, such as Diazepam 5mg, and reduces the risk of misuse. When buying Diazepam online, one of the greatest risks is encountering counterfeit or fake medications. Counterfeit drugs often contain the wrong active ingredients, harmful additives, or incorrect dosages, which can pose serious health risks. Signs of counterfeit medications include unusual packaging, incorrect labelling, or pills that look different from what you've received from a pharmacy in the past. This is why it's essential to only buy from verified sources when searching for options like 'buy Diazepam online UK.' Contains harmful substances, such as toxic fillers May have little or no active ingredient, rendering it ineffective Incorrect dosages that could lead to an overdose or severe side effects If you suspect a website is illegitimate or that you've received counterfeit medication, do not take the pills. Instead, report the website to the MHRA and consult with your doctor immediately for further advice. Prompt action can prevent potential harm and help combat the circulation of unsafe medications. Buying Diazepam online in the UK can be convenient, but it's essential to prioritize safety and legality. Always ensure the pharmacy is accredited, and never purchase without a valid prescription. Stick to official channels to minimize the risks of counterfeit medications and avoid offers that seem too good to be true. Remember, Diazepam is a powerful medication that should only be used as prescribed. Whether you're managing anxiety, muscle pain, or sleeplessness, consulting a healthcare professional is the safest and most effective way to approach treatment. By taking these precautions, you can safely buy Diazepam online in the UK while protecting your health and staying within the law. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
