A woman from Selby received treatment in intensive care after using a ‘weight loss jab’ allegedly sourced from a North Yorkshire salon.
Two other people are known to have also become unwell.
North Yorkshire Police were notified by health professionals, and an investigation is under way.
The woman has since been discharged, but the incident has prompted health leaders in North Yorkshire and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to warn people of the risks of using weight loss medicines bought from private clinics or online.
Buying products from unregulated suppliers “significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK and can pose a direct danger to health”, they say.
NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) Chief Pharmacy Officer, Laura Angus, said: “There has been a lot of attention in the media and on social media about these so-called ‘skinny jabs’, but as with any medicines bought outside of legitimate supply chains, the contents may not match the ingredients on the label.
“If you use such products you could be putting your health at serious risk.
“If you are thinking of buying a weight-loss medicine, please talk to a healthcare professional first. The only way to guarantee you receive a genuine weight-loss medicine is to obtain it from a legitimate pharmacy – including those trading online – using a prescription issued by a healthcare professional.
“We would also advise patients to check the legitimacy of the pharmacy and ensure it is regulated with the GPhC – each pharmacy premises has a registration number that can be checked easily with the GPhC at www.pharmacyregulation.org/.”
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison. added: “We would encourage people to pursue their health goals in a safe way.
“You can access lots of free tools to support you to make healthy changes, including getting active and losing weight, on the NHS Better Health website.
“The Active North Yorkshire ‘Healthy You’ programme can support you to help you meet your lifestyle goals, which might be to be more active, eat better, or manage your weight. You can find out more about this at www.northyorks.gov.uk/healthyyou.”
Many different types of anti-obesity medicines have been tested in clinical trials. Liraglutide (sometimes called Saxenda), semaglutide (brands names include Wegovy and Ozempic) and tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro) are among those proven to be safe and effective for use in the NHS for weight management.
However, they are only available on prescription on the NHS for specific cohorts of patients and through specialist weight management services as part of a package of interventions which also includes diet and exercise.
There’s more information about these drugs – including their side effects, on the NHS website.
Andy Morling, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency’s Deputy Director of Criminal Enforcement said: “Weight loss medicines are powerful medications and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
“Public safety is our top priority, and our Criminal Enforcement Unit works tirelessly with partners to prevent, detect and investigate illegal activity involving medicines and medical devices.
“Buying so-called weight loss medicines from illegal suppliers significantly increases the risk of receiving products that are either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK. Products purchased in this way will not meet the MHRA’s strict quality and safety standards, and taking such medicines may put one’s health at risk.”
Anyone who suspects they have had an adverse reaction to a weight loss injection or any other medicinal product, should seek appropriate medical attention.
If people experience an adverse reaction when taking medicine, are worried about its safety or effectiveness, or suspect it is not a genuine product, they can report it to the Yellow Card scheme.
You can also get advice from the #FakeMeds website on how to spot fake medication products.