Health authorities have launched a nationwide hunt for a woman suspected of peddling counterfeit Mounjaro injections, a popular but prescription-only weight-loss treatment, in a dangerous online scam.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued an urgent public warning after seizing fake versions of the drug, also known as tirzepatide. The bogus pens were discovered to contain insulin rather than the intended medication, potentially putting users at severe risk of life-threatening complications.
A Grave Threat to Public Health
Andy Morling, the Head of Enforcement at the MHRA, emphasised the severe dangers of obtaining medicines from unregulated sources. "This is not a victimless crime." he stated. "These counterfeit pens are a serious threat to public health. If you have purchased this product, do not use it and report it to us immediately."
The suspect is believed to be advertising and selling the fake products through popular social media platforms, exploiting the high demand for weight-loss solutions.
How to Spot a Fake
The MHRA provided crucial advice for identifying the fraudulent product:
- The batch number on the seized fakes is B/MR 3001 0010.
- The expiry date is listed as 30/09/2024.
- Authentic Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine and cannot be legally sold online without a valid prescription.
Genuine Mounjaro is a vital medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and, when prescribed properly, can aid weight management. The presence of insulin in the fakes could lead to dangerous interactions, especially for individuals not diagnosed with diabetes.
Official Channels Are the Only Safe Option
This alarming case underscores a growing trend of counterfeit medical products circulating online. The MHRA and police are urging the public to only ever source prescription medications through recognised and legal channels, such as NHS prescriptions or registered pharmacies.
Anyone with information on the suspect or who believes they may have purchased a counterfeit pen is urged to contact the MHRA directly at intelligence@mhra.gov.uk.
