HEALTH bosses are set to crack down on the illegal sale of popular weight loss drug Ozempic.

The crackdown is set to see outlets such as beauty salons and health clinics have the drugs seized if caught illegally selling them.

1

This comes as the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) reported a sharp increase in the amount of illegal medicines detained in the first half of 2024.

They have detained 706,881 dosage units of falsified and illegal medicines between January and June 2024.

In the same period in 2023, 551,582 units were detained.

The HPRA are now warning public of the serious health risks posed by prescription medicines being purchased online from unauthorised sources.

They have stated that there is no guarantee as to the safety or quality of these drugs when purchased outside of a regulated pharmacy setting.

Gráinne Power, Director of Compliance at the HPRA said: “It’s alarming to see consumers willing to take risks by purchasing illegal medicines online and from unregulated sources and this includes products for cosmetic and body image purposes.

“One such example is the amount of illegal anabolic steroids detained. We believe young men in particular, may be sourcing anabolic steroids for body enhancement while being unaware of the serious health complications posed by these products.

“Anabolic steroids can cause serious physical and psychological health issues. The potential physical side effects alone include heart failure, liver issues, kidney damage, and infertility.”

There has been a notable rise in the detention of Semaglutide, which is OzempicTM, RybelsusTM and WegovyTM, a prescription medication intended to treat diabetes or weight management under certain conditions.

The figures show that in the first six months of 2024, almost triple the volume of illegal units of Semaglutide was detained compared to last year.

Power continued: “When consumers acquire any medicinal substances outside the regulated supply chain, they forego any assurance of safety, quality, or effectiveness.

“Some of these substances might not be authorised by any global health authority, while others may be counterfeit or falsified despite appearing legitimate. It’s crucial not to compromise your health by taking such risks.

“We strongly advise anyone who has bought prescription medications from unauthorised sources to cease using them immediately and to consult their healthcare provider with any concerns about their well-being.”

The HPRA is working in close co-operation with An Garda Síochána and Revenue’s Customs Service in order to combat the illegal supply of health products into and within Ireland.