Report misuse of weight-loss drugs: MHRA urges healthcare professionals

Weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may sometimes lead to serious complications, resulting in hospitalisation 

“Weight-loss drugs are not a quick fix for losing a few pounds,” health secretary Wes Streeting cautioned, reminding the public that these medications should only be used under medical supervision.

Streeting made that statement as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) called on healthcare professionals to report any misuse of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and to inform patients about the potential side effects of these medications.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, include active ingredients such as semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), and liraglutide (Saxenda).

Streeting emphasised that these weight-loss drugs have “enormous potential” and could be game changers in tackling obesity and getting people back to good health when taken alongside “healthy diet and exercise.”

However, he warned that these are “not cosmetic drugs that should be taken to help get a body beautiful picture for Instagram.”

“These are serious medicines and should only be used responsibly and under medical supervision. They’re not a quick fix to lose a few pounds and buying them online without appropriate assessment can put people’s health at risk.

“Drugs approved for weight management should only be used by those tackling obesity, where diet and exercise has been tried first, and where patients are eligible,” he added.

According to MHRA, GLP-1 receptor agonists carry a common risk of gastrointestinal side effects, affecting more than 1 in 10 patients.

The regulator noted that while most side effects of these medicines are mild, sometimes patients may suffer serious complications such as severe dehydration, pancreatitis, and gall bladder disorders.

“All medicines carry a risk of potential side effects and GLP-1RAs are no exception,” said the MHRA’s chief safety officer, Dr Alison Cave.

She urged healthcare professionals to ensure that patients being treated with these medicines are aware of the common side effects and how to minimise risks.

Dr. Cave also highlighted that the balance of benefits and risks outside of the licensed indication has not been shown to be favourable, calling on healthcare professionals to report cases of misuse, particularly if harm occurs.

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to report any adverse reactions through the Yellow Card scheme.

For private prescriptions (from non-NHS prescribers), patients should ensure these medications are dispensed from an authorised source, such as a registered pharmacy, to avoid the risk of receiving counterfeit products.

The regulator noted that some falsified medicines have been found to contain insulin, which could lead to severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) requiring immediate medical attention.