Woman Hospitalized After Using Unregulated Weight-Loss Medication

Black market weight-loss drugs led a woman to believe she was facing death after self-administered injections resulted in her hospitalization. Paige Roberts, 24, sought anti-obesity medication on social media platforms after her general practitioner recommended weight loss. Following the initial self-injection of a substance she was informed was semaglutide—a diabetes medication whose sale without a prescription is illegal—she began experiencing vomiting, dizziness, and nausea. The Royal College of GPs (RCGP Cymru) declared that purchasing weight-loss drugs without a prescription poses significant dangers. Ms. Roberts, a healthcare assistant from Llandudno, Conwy county, does not meet the eligibility criteria for weight-loss medication through the NHS, as her weight is 13st (82kg) and her body mass index is 28.5, meaning she is not classified as obese. She stated that she was advised that losing weight could help restore her menstrual periods, which had ceased due to bloating caused by polycystic ovary syndrome. She paid £80 for four pre-filled syringes, with instructions to use one weekly for four weeks. Initially, she was not concerned, as nausea is a recognized side effect, but she proceeded to A&E at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd when her vomiting persisted after 48 hours. Hospital staff informed her that many individuals had been admitted after taking weight-loss drugs, and Ms. Roberts mentioned she was told that numerous black market versions were amphetamine-based. She recounted, “I was worried I was going to die of dehydration because I couldn’t keep anything in my stomach.” After undergoing liver and kidney function tests and receiving intravenous fluids, Ms. Roberts was discharged. She expressed a desire for others to be aware of the risks, adding, “Influencers on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram only show the good things that happen and say ‘look how good we look’, which makes you think you can get that as well.” Ms. Roberts also contended that the injections were “too easy” to obtain without the involvement of medical professionals for prescription or advice. RCGP Cymru asserted that prevention and proper nutrition are more effective solutions than weight-loss medication. It further cautioned, “Acquiring weight-loss drugs online without prescription is highly dangerous.” The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency had previously issued a warning advising people not to purchase pre-filled pens claiming to contain weight-loss drugs, but rather to consult a healthcare professional authorized to prescribe medicines. UK government health secretary Wes Streeting commented that weight-loss drugs could be “game changers” when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, but he warned against taking such drugs without medical supervision. Two medications, semaglutide and tirzepatide, are commercially available under the brand names Wegovy and Mounjaro. Semaglutide is also found in the diabetes drug Ozempic. These appetite suppressants can be self-administered as weekly injections via pre-filled pens into the upper arm, thigh, or stomach. To qualify, individuals must have at least one existing weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, and be classified as obese. Those not considered obese may be prescribed the drug if they are overweight and have cardiovascular disease. Selling semaglutide without a prescription is illegal, but the drugs can be purchased privately, including at supermarkets, chemists, and high-street clinics, with pens costing between £200 and £300. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Some users report hair loss, and in rare instances, gallbladder issues, kidney problems, and depression. Experts caution that complications can be more severe if the drugs are misused, either for rapid weight loss or when acquired from unregulated sellers. The quest for solutions, or relief from discomfort and pain, is a familiar experience for many individuals. New products, medications, and treatments consistently generate interest if they demonstrate efficacy in alleviating these symptoms for those appropriately prescribed them. However, this interest creates demand. And where demand exists, so does opportunity. This is evident in retail environments, where the market provides “solutions” across all price ranges when an unmet customer need is identified. This phenomenon soon extends to counterfeit products sold in unregulated settings: social media and word-of-mouth. In such cases, the actual contents and safety of the purchased items are unknown. Many may be tempted by promises that seem too good to be true, but as is often heard, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. When seeking medical solutions, it is always best to consult medical professionals. Advice on safe weight loss methods is accessible on the NHS website. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.