Latest news with #skinnyjabs
Malay Mail
11 hours ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Want to have a baby? UK warns against ‘skinny jabs' like Ozempic, Wegovy as animal tests show potential harm to newborns
LONDON, June 5 — The UK's medicine regulator warned Thursday against taking 'skinny jabs' to fight weight loss if trying to get pregnant or while breastfeeding because of their unknown effects on babies. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said popular jabs like Ozempic and Wegovy 'must not be taken during pregnancy, while trying to get pregnant, or during breastfeeding'. It urged women to use 'effective contraception while taking these medicines and, in some cases, for up to two months between stopping the medicine and trying to get pregnant'. 'Anyone who gets pregnant while using them should speak to their healthcare professional and stop the medicine as soon as possible... because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby,' it added. Rebecca Reynolds, a professor of metabolic medicine at the University of Edinburgh, said there was 'hardly any available data from human studies' to know if the weight loss drugs were safe in pregnancy. 'The data from animal studies suggests the potential for harm with low birthweight and skeletal abnormalities, though more evidence is needed to assess if there are risks of taking these drugs in humans,' she added. The MHRA also warned about the impact of another weight-loss and diabetes injection, Mounjaro, on the effectiveness of oral contraception for people who are overweight. 'Therefore, those taking Mounjaro who are overweight and are using an oral form of contraception are advised to also use a non-oral form of contraception,' it said. Ying Cheong, a consultant in reproductive medicine at the University of Southampton, called the MHRA's advice 'both timely and necessary'. 'Gastrointestinal side-effects such as vomiting and diarrhoea can impair oral contraceptive absorption, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy,' he said. — AFP
Al Arabiya
11 hours ago
- Health
- Al Arabiya
UK warns about ‘skinny jabs' if trying to get pregnant
The UK's medicine regulator warned Thursday against taking 'skinny jabs' to fight weight loss if trying to get pregnant or while breastfeeding because of their unknown effects on babies. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said popular jabs like Ozempic and Wegovy 'must not be taken during pregnancy, while trying to get pregnant, or during breastfeeding.' It urged women to use 'effective contraception while taking these medicines and, in some cases, for up to two months between stopping the medicine and trying to get pregnant.' 'Anyone who gets pregnant while using them should speak to their healthcare professional and stop the medicine as soon as possible... because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby,' it added. Rebecca Reynolds, a professor of metabolic medicine at the University of Edinburgh, said there was 'hardly any available data from human studies' to know if the weight loss drugs were safe in pregnancy. 'The data from animal studies suggests the potential for harm with low birthweight and skeletal abnormalities, though more evidence is needed to assess if there are risks of taking these drugs in humans,' she added. The MHRA also warned about the impact of another weight-loss and diabetes injection, Mounjaro, on the effectiveness of oral contraception for people who are overweight. 'Therefore, those taking Mounjaro who are overweight and are using an oral form of contraception are advised to also use a non-oral form of contraception,' it said. Ying Cheong, a consultant in reproductive medicine at the University of Southampton, called the MHRA's advice 'both timely and necessary.' 'Gastrointestinal side-effects such as vomiting and diarrhea can impair oral contraceptive absorption, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy,' he said.
BBC News
4 days ago
- 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.
The Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Major holiday warning to any Brits who take skinny jabs over ‘serious breach' that could cost you £1,000s
UK TOURISTS have been warned about a potential travel insurance issue in the lead up to summer. Travel experts revealed that failure to list skinny jabs on the documentation could cost you thousands. Any Brits holidaying abroad have been reminded to list their skinny jabs on official documents. Failure to do so could potentially jeopardise the validity of your travel insurance, reports Birmingham Live. Experts at Forum Insurance have detailed how not declaring usage of weight management drugs such as Ozempic could cause you problems on holiday. Niraj Mamtora, director at the company, explained that weight-loss drugs must be declared when taking out travel insurance, as it could be deemed as a breach of contract. 'Weight-loss medications are transforming lives across the UK, but too many travellers don't realise the insurance implications," he said. "If you're using these drugs, you must declare both the medication and the condition it's prescribed for. 'Failure to do so is not a minor oversight - it's a serious breach of your travel insurance contract." He broke down how this can impact your coverage when travelling abroad. "If you need medical help overseas and haven't declared your medication, your claim can be refused and your policy cancelled," Niraj explained. "The financial consequences can be severe.' I was sick of trying fad diets and not losing weight but now I've shed FIVE STONE without fat jabs or silly eating plans This means you could be faced with an insurer who is "within their rights" to refuse a claim. "Non-disclosure is a gamble that's simply not worth taking," the expert continued. "If you don't declare your medication or the underlying condition, your insurer is within their rights to refuse any claim, even if it seems unrelated. 'Many travellers only discover too late that their travel insurance claims are rejected, leaving them without support and facing potentially huge bills." He revealed that the average medical claim abroad now exceeds £1,700, with costs rising significantly with age. What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. According to the firm, there appears to be a "growing trend" in people looking to use Ozempic, or other types of weight-loss drug. Niraj cited NHS data between March 2024 and February 2025, which showed that more than 83,000 "unique patients" in England were dispensed Ozempic. He also revealed over 344,000 individuals possessed a prescription for weight-loss medications in the past year. 'With new drugs entering the market and millions more eligible for these treatments, the number of Brits travelling with prescription weight-loss medication is set to rise further," the director said. If you're taking weight-loss drugs and planning a holiday abroad, make sure you have declared all pre-existing medical conditions and any other drugs to your travel insurance provider. If you are taking medication which has not been prescribed or for "off-label" usage, this must also be disclosed as it can affect your travel cover. "Carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter when travelling with medication, and check the rules of your destination country regarding bringing in prescription drugs," the pro advised. "Remember that insurance claims related to undeclared conditions or medications can be refused, even if the issue seems unrelated." 2
The Independent
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Warning over unlicensed weight-loss jabs after woman left in intensive care
A woman was left fighting for her life after using a so-called 'weight loss jab' sourced from a salon with police making three arrests. The woman suffered internal injuries earlier after using an injection earlier this month. She has since been discharged. Two other people also become unwell. North Yorkshire Police has launched an investigation into the supply of the injections as they arrested three women from the Selby area. Two women in their thirties were arrested on suspicion of causing or administering a poison or noxious thing. The duo have been released on police bail. A third, aged in her fifties, was arrested on suspicion of selling or supplying a prescription only medicine. She has been released while under investigation. Medical professionals in North Yorkshire and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a warning against using weight loss medicines bought from private clinics or online. They warned that buying products from unregulated suppliers 'significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK and can pose a direct danger to health'. NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) Chief Pharmacy Officer, Laura Angus, 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.' Ms Angus advised patients to check the legitimacy of the pharmacy and ensure it is regulated with the GPhC via the pharmacy regulation website. North Yorkshire Council's executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison. added: 'We would encourage people to pursue their health goals in a safe way. 'You can access lots of free tools to support you to make healthy changes, including getting active and losing weight, on the NHS Better Health website. 'The Active North Yorkshire 'Healthy You' programme can support you to help you meet your lifestyle goals, which might be to be more active, eat better, or manage your weight.' The NHS has made a number of clinically tested anti-obesity medicines available on prescription to certain patients through specialist weight management services. Drugs such as Liraglutide (sometimes called Saxenda), semaglutide (brands names include Wegovy and Ozempic) and tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro) are among those in use on the NHS. 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.' There is a Yellow Card scheme available for those who experience an advserse reaction to medicine and worry about the safety, efficacy or legitimacy. People who suspect they are experiencing an adverse reaction to a weight loss injection were advised my the professionals to seek appropriate medical attention.
