SOME 82 Brits have died after using weight-loss and diabetes jabs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro.
Sounds pretty scary, doesn't it? It definitely does to us!
Whilst the media likes an attention-grabbing headline for a news article, which can cause alarm and distress... it is correct in highlighting the fact that these medications are being sold inappropriately by many online pharmacies, including large well-known brands. Large companies, such as Juniper, have come under fire by the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) for illegally advertising these medications on social media.
Currently, any direct advertising of these medications in the media is illegal under UK law, yet Google allows ads to be posted of the medications and Facebook, TikTok & Instagram allow videos of people promoting the jabs. Boots previously came under fire for supplying the medications to people who were not suitable for it whilst local salons & beauty establishments continue to offer the products via a back door (and usually at an inflated price). Then there is the surge in demand for compound versions of these drugs, which is completely illegal, unsafe and unregulated in the UK.
BUT amongst all the illegitimate providers and potential risks, we wanted to offer some reassurance to you all that these medications can bring positive outcomes if used correctly and appropriately.
Like any medication, if used incorrectly or inappropriately, they can be dangerous. That is why it is so important when considering these medications that you do plenty of reading into them all. It is vital that you provide an honest and full health history when first starting these medications. And once starting the medications, it is equally vital to have regular check ins with your provider, and complete updated information forms when re-ordering each month - rolling subscriptions and an Amazon-esque style of ordering should be red flags when it comes to weight loss medications where your statistics and experience can mean the difference between continuing usage or discontinuing the medications.
It is also vitally important to seek advice if and when you feel that you need it - this advice and support should always rely on the experience and knowledge from healthcare professionals who work with these medications. Buying from non-medical clinics (salons, beauty treatment establishments) and through ads on social media heightens the risk of using these medications incorrectly or inappropriately from unqualified individuals, leading to a negative experience.
As the article states, up to the end of January, out of the 82 deaths, 22 were taking the medications for weight loss, with the other 60 for Type 2 diabetes. According to the official Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the deaths were not directly caused by the medications but they may have been a contributory factor.
This emphasises the importance of contacting your provider should you experience any side effects, no matter how big or small you may feel they are. It also emphasises the importance of being 100% honest & transparent when completing any health form or consultation. Any healthcare professional in any industry relies heavily on your honesty, whether it is online or in person, or whether they are a pharmacist or your GP - the majority of healthcare professionals base their clinical decisions on your what you tell them (excluding diagnostic tests that can pinpoint facts).
If you do have any questions or concerns about these medications and how to be sure you're acquiring legitimate medication from regulated sources, please do reach out to us as we are always on hand to advise and support you.
Kind regards,
The AJ Hill Team
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