The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) introduces stricter rules for online pharmacies prescribing weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro, requiring proper consultations and independent verification of patient information to ensure safety.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has implemented new regulations for online pharmacies regarding the prescription of weight-loss medications, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. These medications, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, work by reducing food cravings and are increasingly popular.Previously, online pharmacies could prescribe these drugs based solely on patient questionnaires. However, the GPhC now mandates in-person or video consultations for proper assessment before prescribing.
This change aims to ensure patient safety by verifying key information like body mass index (BMI) through independent means, such as accessing medical records or consulting with a patient's GP. The new guidelines also emphasize the importance of thorough patient consultations, including discussing medical history, potential contraindications, and the risks and benefits of the medications. Pharmacies must demonstrate that there are no conflicts of interest, such as offering incentives to prescribers for issuing prescriptions. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in enforcement actions, including inspections, conditions on pharmacy operations, and improvement plans. Duncan Rudkin, CEO of the GPhC, stated that the updated guidance emphasizes the need for online pharmacies to prioritize patient safety and conduct appropriate consultations before dispensing weight-loss medications.The GPhC is collaborating with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to address inappropriate advertising and promotion of these medications. Nick Kaye, Chairman of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), welcomed the new guidelines, emphasizing that patient safety is paramount and that the majority of pharmacies already adhere to best practices. He hopes these changes will further protect patients seeking weight-loss injections and other high-risk medications
ONLINE PHARMACIES WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS GLP-1 RECEPTOR AGONISTS GENERAL PHARMACEUTICAL COUNCIL PATIENT SAFETY MEDICATION PRESCRIPTIONS UK REGULATION
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