PHARMACY leaders have issued a warning about the online sale of weight-loss injections, calling for stricter regulations to ensure patient safety.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has raised concerns about the inappropriate prescribing of drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro, particularly to individuals with low body weight or a history of eating disorders, according to the BBC.
In a letter to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the NPA highlighted that current rules allow weight-loss injections to be accessed without adequate consultation or checks.
The association has proposed a two-way consultation lasting at least 20 minutes and a review of medical history before prescriptions are issued.
NPA chairman Nick Kaye stated, “It is important to ensure that clinical decisions regarding weight loss injections are not influenced by financial targets or incentives.”
He added that while pharmacies support the fight against obesity, weight-loss injections must be part of a carefully managed treatment programme for patients who genuinely need them.
Ashley Cohen of the NPA noted that these drugs are meant for people with a BMI of 30 or more, but many individuals are using them as a “lifestyle” medication. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, he warned of side effects, including nausea, stomach upsets, and gallstones.
A GPhC spokesperson said pharmacies must prioritise patient safety and adhere to guidance for online services. They announced plans to update safeguards around high-risk medicines, including weight-loss drugs.
The NPA also urged patients to avoid unregulated online sellers, who may provide counterfeit products. Regular reviews of patient progress are essential, the association added.
Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in northwest of London, in July 2024. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Crossbow murderer found guilty of raping ex-girlfriend
A 26-YEAR-OLD man who murdered three women in a crossbow and stabbing attack has been found guilty of raping one of them, his ex-girlfriend, a British court ruled on Thursday.
Kyle Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in Bushey, northwest of London, in July 2024.
The attack led to a manhunt before Clifford was found injured hours later in a north London cemetery.
A jury at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday convicted Clifford of raping 25-year-old Louise Hunt before killing her.
His sentencing for all the crimes is scheduled for Tuesday.
Clifford had admitted to murdering Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Louise and Hannah, 28. He had also pleaded guilty to charges of false imprisonment and possessing offensive weapons but denied raping Louise.
During the trial, the court heard that after killing Carol Hunt, Clifford waited for an hour before attacking Louise, tying her up, raping her, and then killing her with a crossbow. He later killed Hannah when she returned home from work.
The prosecution described Clifford, a former soldier, as committing a "violent, sexual act of spite" and said he was "enraged" after Louise ended their 18-month relationship. They told the court that he had "carefully planned" the attack.
Less than 24 hours before the killings, Clifford had searched for a podcast by social media influencer Andrew Tate, according to the prosecution. They argued that the murders were driven by the "violent misogyny promoted" by Tate.
Justice Joel Bennathan called Clifford’s crimes "dreadful" and "almost unspeakable".
(With inputs from AFP)