Latest news with #medicines
Telegraph
23-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Woman left in intensive care after weight-loss jab
A woman was left in intensive care after using a weight-loss jab allegedly sourced from a beauty salon. NHS chiefs have warned against using weight loss medicines bought from private clinics or online, saying they can pose a 'direct danger to health'. North Yorkshire Police said two women from Selby, aged 32 and 37, have been arrested on suspicion of administering the medicine and have been released on bail. A third woman, 58, also from Selby, was arrested on suspicion of selling or supplying a prescription-only medicine and has been released while under investigation. The woman, also from Selby, who used the injection was treated for suspected internal injuries in intensive care earlier this month and has since been discharged. She is one of three people who became unwell following the use of a weight loss jab. Weight loss injections, such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, require a prescription from a doctor in order to buy legitimately and are generally only made available to those who are obese or overweight with other weight-related health conditions. Laura Angus, the chief pharmacy officer of the NHS Humber and North Yorkshire integrated care board (ICB), said: 'There has been a lot of attention in the media and on social media about these so-called 'skinny jabs', but as with any medicines bought outside of legitimate supply chains, the contents may not match the ingredients on the label. 'If you use such products you could be putting your health at serious risk. 'If you are thinking of buying a weight-loss medicine, please talk to a healthcare professional first. 'The only way to guarantee you receive a genuine weight-loss medicine is to obtain it from a legitimate pharmacy – including those trading online – using a prescription issued by a healthcare professional.' Andy Morling, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency's deputy director of Criminal Enforcement, said: 'Weight loss medicines are powerful medications and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. 'Public safety is our top priority, and our Criminal Enforcement Unit works tirelessly with partners to prevent, detect and investigate illegal activity involving medicines and medical devices. 'Buying so-called weight loss medicines from illegal suppliers significantly increases the risk of receiving products that are either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK. 'Products purchased in this way will not meet the MHRA's strict quality and safety standards, and taking such medicines may put one's health at risk.' Police launched an investigation after being notified by health professionals on May 7.
Irish Times
07-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Ireland found to be worst in Europe for availability of new cancer treatments
Ireland has the lowest rate of availability for new cancer medicines in western Europe, according to a new report compiled for the European pharmaceutical body EFPIA. Only one in four of 56 new cancer treatments licensed since 2020 are available in Ireland. The survey of 36 European countries, including 27 in the EU, covers between 2020 and 2023, analysing 173 innovative medicines authorised for use by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Of the 56 oncology medicines which were granted an EMA licence, only 14 are currently available in Ireland. Among western European countries, this is the lowest rate of availability for cancer medicines. READ MORE The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) said cancer patients in Ireland are having to wait almost two years after EMA authorisation to access newly licensed medicines. [ Opportunity for a new medicines playbook Opens in new window ] The association said this is 55 days longer than last year and above the EU average of 586 days. The overall time to make a medicine routinely available in Ireland has lengthened significantly since 2020 when it took 477 days while in 2024 it was 645 days. 'Lower rates of availability for cancer medicines means inferior treatment options for patients and clinicians than is routinely available in the UK and elsewhere in Europe,' it said. The Framework Agreement on the Pricing and Supply of Medicines, which outlines the principles and processes for the assessment of new medicines in Ireland, is due to expire in September. The association said the reimbursement system needed to be 'resourced, governed and designed to operate' within the legal 180-days timeline for HSE decisions set by the Oireachtas in 2013. Oliver O'Connor, chief executive of the association, said: 'Patients in Ireland deserve better, and we can do better, if the political and administrative desire is there. Pharmaceutical treatments can represent a lifeline to cancer patients, significantly enhance quality of life and change the prognosis of individual patients.' Other western European countries analysed with higher rates of availability include Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg, France, England, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Scotland, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands and Iceland.
