Businesses are issuing an urgent warning about an ‘explosion’ of fake Ozempic weight loss strips being sold.

Pharmacists warn of an ‘explosion’ of fake weight loss claims caused by Ozempic deficiency.

Weight loss pills have grown in popularity as the UK and other wealthy countries grapple with obesity.

But the National Pharmacy Association says it is ‘deeply concerned about fakes in the supply chain’, adding that consumers are putting their lives at risk by buying drugs online.

It urges people who will lose weight and people with diabetes who struggle to find medicines to talk to their pharmacist or GP first – and only use legal suppliers when buying privately.

When the weight loss properties of the type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic were first revealed, there was an increase in unregistered prescriptions by dieters, which led to a global shortage. yes.

While Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk continues to produce Wegovy as a weight loss formula with the same key ingredient, semaglutide, supply issues remain.

This seems to be especially problematic for people with type 2 diabetes who need Ozempic to help control their blood sugar levels.

Experts say the shortage is expected to last until next year, fueling illegal online trading.

Nick Kaye, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, said: ‘Businesses are always very concerned that the current problem of drug shortages could lead to an explosion in the sale of unregistered medicines online.

‘Ozempic’s poems are quite finished. It is important that these are always prioritized for those with the most medical need.

‘Due to the uncertain supply situation of these and other essential medicines, there is a greater risk of people wanting to buy goods from unscrupulous online sellers.’

He said the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has been informed that stocks of 0.25mg, 0.5mg and 1mg will not be available until December 27.

He added: ‘In all our experience, it is very unlikely to be before that date and it is possible that it will be later.’ Ozempic is available on the NHS for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, while patients seeking Wegovy must be on special weight loss programs and have a body mass index of over 30.

But there are growing concerns that people are flouting strict guidelines by getting private prescriptions online, often without a full medical consultation or adequate vetting of providers.

Known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, the drugs work by reducing appetite and slowing stomach emptying, leading to weight loss.

People usually start Ozempic at the lowest dose of 0.25mg, before going higher if necessary. The NPA, which represents more than 5,000 community pharmacies, said its popularity had led to a shortage of the drug for those with diabetes, while also causing an increase in counterfeit drugs.

The Department of Health and Social Care has warned suppliers against giving drugs without a name and keeping existing stock for type 2 diabetes patients.

Patients are advised to check whether online providers are registered and regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council or the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland.

The NPA also wants to see the reinstatement of rules making it mandatory for the list of regulated UK drug dealers to be publicly available, which it says was scrapped after Brexit.

Mr Kaye said: ‘We think this move will help improve patient safety. Medicines are not like ordinary goods sold online. They must be handled with care because they have the power to harm and heal.

‘We encourage anyone who is unsure about a medicine they have bought online to speak to their local pharmacist for advice.’

The World Health Organization issued a safety warning in June about potentially dangerous batches of fake Ozempic circulating in the UK.

Last fall, the Department of Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency revealed that they had seized hundreds of fake pills, claiming to be Ozempic.

A Department of Health spokesman said: ‘We strongly advise the public not to buy controlled medicines from unauthorized online sellers or beauty salons, as they can be dangerous.

‘The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency continues to identify those selling medicines illegally and will use its powers to take appropriate enforcement action, including, where necessary, prosecuting people’s lives in danger. On the one hand, we are taking action to tackle obesity – changing our focus from treatment to prevention – which will reduce the pressure on the NHS, and help people live healthier lives for longer.’