At Private Medical Clinic, we fully support the decision to implement stricter weight-loss jab checks for online pharmacies. These new regulations ensure that weight-loss injections, such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), are prescribed safely and responsibly. Patients can no longer obtain private prescriptions simply by filling out an online form; instead, they must undergo a video consultation or provide medical records to confirm their body mass index (BMI) and overall suitability for treatment.
This blog post explains what these new prescribing criteria mean for both patients and online pharmacies, why weight-loss medications are now considered high-risk medications, and how these changes align with our commitment to safe and effective private healthcare.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) introduced these stricter regulations following growing concerns about unsafe prescribing practices. Investigations found that some online pharmacies were issuing prescriptions to patients who didn’t meet the medical criteria, including individuals with a healthy BMI or a history of eating disorders.
Additionally, reports revealed that certain pharmacies had internal prescription targets, leading to rushed and potentially unsafe prescribing. These new rules ensure that weight-loss injections are only given to those who genuinely need them, helping to reduce health risks and medication shortages.
At Private Medical Clinic, patient safety is our top priority. That’s why we welcome these changes and encourage individuals looking for safe, medically supervised weight-loss solutions.
Under the updated regulations, online pharmacies must:
These rules apply not only to weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro but also to other high-risk medications, including antimicrobials, laxatives, and opioids.
Patients seeking private prescriptions for weight-loss injections must now undergo a proper consultation process, ensuring that only those who truly need the medication receive it.
Since pharmacies must verify BMI and medical history, obtaining a prescription may take longer. However, this ensures patients receive safe and effective treatments.
With stricter checks, the risk of inappropriate prescribing and misuse is greatly reduced. Individuals with a history of eating disorders or a healthy BMI will no longer be able to obtain weight-loss jabs without medical justification.
To explore medically supervised weight-loss solutions, visit our medical weight-loss blogs.
Online pharmacies must now arrange video consultations or verify information through GP records instead of relying on self-reported questionnaires.
Pharmacies must ensure they do not promote weight-loss medications misleadingly. They must follow guidelines from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
Pharmacies should ensure patients are supported throughout their weight-loss journey, including ongoing monitoring and post-prescription care.
At Private Medical Clinic, we offer comprehensive patient support throughout their weight-loss journey. Learn more about our weight loss services.
Weight-loss jabs like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are now high-risk medications due to concerns about inappropriate prescribing, potential misuse, and supply shortages. This means they require stricter safeguards.
Yes, but you must now go through a proper consultation, including video calls, in-person checks, or verified GP records, before receiving a private prescription.
In most cases, yes. The new rules require prescribers to share prescription details with a patient’s GP actively, provided the patient consents.
Online pharmacies must now tighten their prescribing practices, ensure proper patient verification, and avoid misleading advertising. Those who fail to comply may face enforcement actions, including inspections and restrictions on medication supply.
The stricter prescribing criteria apply to other high-risk medications, including antimicrobials, laxatives, and opioids.
At Private Medical Clinic, we fully support these stricter weight-loss jab checks to ensure safe and responsible prescribing. While the new rules may require extra verification steps, they ultimately protect patients and ensure weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro are used appropriately.
If you’re considering a private prescription for a weight-loss jab, choose a trusted healthcare provider that follows these regulations. Learn more about our safe and medically supervised weight management services.
For personalised advice, book a consultation with our team at Private Medical Clinic.
