The boom in weight loss injections has fuelled a surge in patients turning to online pharmacies for fast access. Originally intended to treat type 2 diabetes, these drugs are now widely used off-label for weight loss. However, as demand skyrockets, so do safety concerns - from counterfeit products to misuse. In response, the General Pharmaceutical Council ("GPhC") introduced stricter regulations for online pharmacies in February 2025.
The GPhC’s New Guidelines for Online Pharmacies
Previously, online pharmacies could dispense weight loss medications based on an online questionnaire or photos submitted by patients. This system, while convenient, lacked necessary safeguards. The GPhC's updated guidelines now require online pharmacies to conduct in-person or video consultations with patients to verify their eligibility for weight loss injections. Prescribers must independently verify the patient's BMI and medical history, either through direct communication or by accessing clinical records. The aim? To stop high-risk patients, or those who do not meet the required medical criteria, from accessing such powerful medication without proper checks.
Compliance Risks and Enforcement Action
Failure to adhere to the GPhC’s new regulations can result in severe consequences for online pharmacies. Non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions, including fitness-to-practise investigations and conditions such as improvement plans. Pharmacy owners, the Superintendent Pharmacist, and individual pharmacy professionals may also be held accountable for not meeting these new standards.
The Risks of Shortages and Counterfeit Products
The high demand for weight loss injections has led to global shortages, particularly of drugs such as Ozempic (primarily used for diabetes treatment). As supplies dwindle, some doctors have turned to off-label prescribing. This shortage has opened the door to counterfeit medications, with patients at risk of unknowingly buying fake and potentially dangerous products online. These counterfeit drugs pose significant health risks, including severe side effects such as hypoglycaemic shock and even coma.
The GPhC’s updated guidelines aim to tackle this risk by requiring online pharmacies to verify the authenticity of all medications to safeguard against counterfeit circulation. Pharmacies must ensure that only authentic, legally prescribed medications are provided to patients.
Conclusion
The new GPhC guidelines place a greater responsibility on online pharmacies to ensure the safe and appropriate dispensing of weight loss medications. Failure to comply could result in strict enforcement actions, reputational damage and legal consequences. Online pharmacies must take the necessary steps to verify patients’ eligibility, safeguard against counterfeit products, and ensure they are prescribing in line with medical guidelines to protect both patient safety and their own business operations.
This article was co-written by Sasha Fothergill, Trainee Solicitor in MFMac's Healthcare team.
