The UK's approval of the first GLP-1 weight loss pill, Wegovy, has sparked fears among pharmacists that counterfeit versions will surge on the black market. The tablet, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, received the green light from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) last month and becomes available from Monday, July 6, 2026.
Survey Reveals Widespread Concern
A poll of 310 pharmacies conducted by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) found that 97% are worried that the tablet form will lead to an increase in fake and unlicensed drugs being sold illegally. The lowest doses — 1.5 mg and 4 mg — will be offered through weight management programmes in select pharmacies for eligible patients.
Olivier Picard, chairman of the NPA, stated: “Pharmacies are concerned about a dangerous and growing black market for weight loss medicines, with tablet form of medication likely to be easier for criminals to counterfeit.” He urged patients to only access the drug through regulated pharmacies after a thorough consultation.
Black Market Risks and Patient Warnings
Picard warned: “Patients should be wary of sites offering medicines at a cost that is too good to be true or providers who are not offering consultations before prescribing.” He advised anyone concerned about a medicine bought online to speak to their local pharmacist. “Weight loss medication is not a silver bullet and won’t be suitable for all patients but it can help those who are eligible achieve a healthy weight, along with sustained changes to diet and lifestyle,” he added.
The NPA survey also revealed that 76% of pharmacies expect a wave of new eligible patients in the coming months, and 49% reported a surge in inquiries after the MHRA approval in June.
NHS Rollout and Pharmacy Readiness
Picard noted: “This is a significant day and pharmacies are bracing themselves for a surge in demand for this new form of weight loss treatment. This is particularly significant for patients who cannot or do not want to take an injectable medicine.” He criticized the slow NHS rollout, stating: “The NHS rollout remains extremely slow and community pharmacy is ready to support a wider rollout, which will help eligible patients access treatment safely and help mitigate the impact of obesity on the NHS.”
