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Semaglutide

Asked by Liz JarvisLiberal DemocratDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 3 February 2025UIN 27365

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to (a) monitor and (b) tackle the illegal availability of Ozempic injections online.

Answered by Karin Smyth

The illegal sale and supply of human medicines is recognised as a significant challenge for regulators across the world. Buying medicines, including weight loss medicines, from illegally trading websites can be harmful to health, as the medicines received are generally unlicenced in the United Kingdom, and can contain too little, too much, or incorrect active ingredients. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) works hard with law enforcement partners and others to tackle illegal sales and prevent products from entering the UK. Offending often takes place beyond the geographical reach of UK legislation, but where offences are identified in the UK, the MHRA can investigate and, where appropriate, bring those involved to justice. In addition to taking enforcement action where possible, the MHRA operates the #FakeMeds campaign, offering safety advice and providing practical tools to help the public stay safe when buying medicines online.

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