Health professionals have raised concerns regarding the new Wegovy weight loss pill that became available to the UK public on July 6.
This new daily Wegovy pill includes the identical active ingredient found in the popular weekly injection, which has gained popularity in recent years.
According to a recent RAND report, approximately 12 percent of US adults are utilizing GLP-1 medications to assist with weight loss.
The report also highlighted that the number of prescriptions for these medications has more than tripled since 2020.
As of Monday, July 6, the pill is available privately in the UK through pharmacies and regulated online clinics for those who are eligible, but it has not yet been sanctioned for NHS use.
Experts in the health field claim the pill is nearly as effective as the weekly injection, with users experiencing an average weight loss of just under 14 percent over 64 weeks.
However, a survey by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) discovered that 97 percent of pharmacies are worried about the potential rise of a black market for counterfeit versions of these pills.
Olivier Picard, chairman of the NPA, commented: “As this survey shows, pharmacies are concerned about a dangerous and growing black market for weight loss medicines, with tablet form.
“Patients should be wary of sites offering medicines at a cost that is too good to be true or providers who are not offering consultations before prescribing.”
He further stated: “If anyone is concerned by a medicine they have bought online, they should speak to their local pharmacist for advice.”
The NPA survey also indicated that 76 percent of pharmacies anticipate a considerable number of new patients will start using the pill in the upcoming months.
Picard continued: “This is a significant day and pharmacies are bracing themselves for a surge in demand for this new form of weight loss treatment.
“This is particularly significant for patients who cannot or do not want to take an injectable medicine.”
He emphasized that although weight loss medication is not a ‘silver bullet suitable for all patients’, it will aid those who make ‘sustained changes to diet and lifestyle’ in conjunction with the medication.
The chairman remarked: “The NHS roll out remains extremely slow and community pharmacy is ready to support a wider roll out, which will help eligible patients access treatment safely and help mitigate the impact of obesity on the NHS.”