Daniella Fakhouri, director of pharmacy at LIPs, says they take a “highly cautious approach” to ensure patient safety throughout the weight loss treatment process...
Research has shown that the benefits of weight loss injections in treating obesity outweigh the risks when prescribed appropriately to patients who need the most support. However, given their potential for misuse, additional safeguards are considered essential to ensure that weight loss jabs are clinically appropriate for the patient.
In LIPS Pharmacy Battersea, weight loss services are provided with the “highest level of care.”
The pharmacy, which opened as a fully private facility in May 2024 on the top floor of Battersea Power Station, offers a variety of private services through its two clinical consultation rooms. These include weight management, travel health, otoscopy, skin health, and common ailment treatments.
Daniella Fakhouri, director of pharmacy at LIPs
Daniella Fakhouri, director of pharmacy at LIPs and superintendent pharmacist, shared the safety measures they implement to ensure patient safety when providing weight loss treatments.
“Our weight loss services are provided in-person to ensure the highest level of care.
"In certain cases, where patients are unable to attend after their initial consultation, we offer video consultations to prevent any delays, but only once we've assessed that there are minimal risks or side effects involved,” she told Pharmacy Business.
Fakhouri emphasised that they take a “highly cautious approach” to ensure safety throughout the process.
She explained: “We provide treatment on a monthly basis, carefully monitoring for any potential side effects. In addition, we provide counselling on nutrition and exercise to help patients maintain muscle mass throughout their weight loss journey."
“We also recommend probiotics or yogurt to help prevent constipation and offer advice on vitamins and natural products to support overall health.”
To further ensure patient safety, they have developed clinical pathways in collaboration with fertility and orthopaedic specialists for patients with higher BMIs, helping reduce surgery risks and ensuring enhancement of patient centre care.
Fakhouri stated that they focus on a personalised approach, with most of their patients having direct access to the clinician they have consulted.
“We also recommend regular blood tests (every three months) to monitor key health markers, ensuring that there are no negative effects on their hematinic profile,” she noted.
Fakhouri added that their weight loss service follows the Patient Group Direction (PGD purchased through Pharma Doctor, adhering to the highest standards.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injections (Getty Images)
A boom in demand for weight loss treatments is anticipated as NHS England prepares to expand the availability of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injections in the coming years. This has sparked concerns about the potential risks of improper prescribing, misuse of the medication, and severe adverse effects in certain patients.
Acknowledging these potential risks, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has proposed changes to the current guidance for online pharmacies, introducing extra safeguards to improve patient protection. They suggested that weight loss medicines should not be prescribed using an online questionnaire alone.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) also advocated for "tougher regulation" of the online sale of weight loss injections to safeguard patients.
They suggested a comprehensive two-way consultation with patients and a thorough review of their medical history before prescribing or supplying weight loss jabs.
A Royal College would be beneficial to both pharmacists and patients, said BennettPic credit: iStock
