With the rising popularity of weight loss medications in the UK, there has been a significant uplift in the amount of counterfeit versions entering the UK market.
Niamh McMillan, Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent is urging patients to remain vigilant and only purchase medications from trusted, licensed sources in order to safeguard one’s health.
Niamh explains, “Here at Superdrug, patient safety is our biggest priority and we are increasingly concerned about the rise in counterfeit weight loss medication being sold online and through unregulated channels. These products may fail to deliver the intended results or could pose serious health risks, including allergic reactions, infections, or exposure to harmful substances. We urge everyone to be extremely cautious when purchasing medications and to avoid buying from unofficial sources. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of your medication, please speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional before using it. Your safety must always come first.”
Niamh shares advice on how you can protect yourself.
Packaging Errors
“Counterfeit products often have subtle, or obvious, packaging flaws. Look out for spelling mistakes, faded or off-colour printing, missing safety seals, or unusual fonts and design inconsistencies compared to official packaging. Genuine products from manufacturers follow strict quality control standards, so any variation in packaging appearance could be a warning sign of counterfeit medication.”
Missing or Incorrect Labelling
“Authentic medications will always include clear labelling with the product name, strength, batch number, expiry date, and manufacturer details. Counterfeit versions may lack this information or include incorrect or misaligned text. Always check for a readable lot number and expiration date that match those on the outer box and the weight loss pen itself.”
Improper Delivery Devices
“Weight loss services medication come as branded, prefilled injection pens designed for easy, self-administered dosing. If your medication arrives in a vial, syringe or unbranded device, then it may be counterfeit. Always verify the pen design with your pharmacy.”
No Prescription Required
“Weight loss injections are prescription-only medicines, meaning that they should only be dispensed following a consultation with a prescriber. Any seller offering these medications without a prescription, especially through social media or messaging apps, may be operating illegally and the integrity of the product should be questioned.”
When beginning your weight loss journey, it’s important to use a trusted, expert clinical service such as Superdrug Online Doctor, that can guide you through the treatment options and answer any questions you may have. Superdrug has a range of weight-loss services available online at Superdrug’s Online Doctor, or in person through Superdrug’s specially trained Health Clinic teams.
Our in-store services are led by trained nurses and pharmacists who provide personalised support and guidance to patients wishing to start their weight loss journey with face-to-face support. The service includes an initial consultation, where Superdrug will take your measurements including BMI and blood pressure and will take time to discuss your weight loss goals and medical history with you.
For further information on Superdrug’s weight loss services please visit https://onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/ or https://healthclinics.superdrug.com/weightlossservice/
