Public Warned Not to Take Unapproved Weight-Loss Drug as HSE Issues Safety Alert
The HSE and the Health Products Regulatory Authority have issued a public safety alert warning people not to take an unapproved weight-loss drug that is being sold online and through informal channels in Ireland. The alert follows a significant increase in the seizure of illegal GLP-1 products — including "GLP-1 drops" and "transdermal patches" — with testing confirming that many contain no active ingredients and that some pose serious health risks.
Background
The global surge in demand for GLP-1 receptor agonist medications — including semaglutide (sold as Wegovy and Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) — has created a significant black market for counterfeit and unapproved products. These medications, which were originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, have been shown to be highly effective for weight loss and have generated enormous public interest, driven in part by celebrity endorsements and extensive social media coverage.
In Ireland, the legitimate GLP-1 medications are available only on prescription and are not currently reimbursed by the state for weight management purposes, making them expensive and inaccessible for many people who might benefit from them. This has created a significant demand for cheaper alternatives, which unscrupulous sellers have been quick to exploit. The HPRA reported a 30-fold increase in the seizure of illegal GLP-1 products in 2025, with over 48,000 individual packages of illicit drops and microneedle patches detained.
The problem has been compounded by the proliferation of online pharmacies and social media sellers who market these products with misleading claims about their safety and efficacy. Many of the products seized by the HPRA have been found to contain no active ingredients, meaning that consumers are paying significant sums for products that have no therapeutic effect. Others have been found to contain undisclosed substances that could pose serious health risks.
Key Developments
RTÉ News reported on Monday that the HSE has issued a specific warning about an unapproved weight-loss drug that is currently circulating in Ireland, urging the public not to take it under any circumstances. The warning follows reports of adverse reactions in a small number of people who had taken the product, though the HSE has not disclosed the specific nature of those reactions pending further investigation.
The HPRA has emphasised that all weight-loss medications in Ireland must be prescribed by a doctor and dispensed through a registered pharmacy. The authority has warned that products purchased online or through informal channels cannot be verified as genuine, safe, or of the required quality, and that taking such products carries significant risks. The authority has also warned that some products marketed as GLP-1 medications may contain substances that interact dangerously with other medications or that are contraindicated for people with certain medical conditions.
The European Commission granted marketing authorisation for oral Wegovy tablets in July 2026, a development that is expected to make GLP-1 medications more accessible to patients who are reluctant to self-inject. However, the tablets are not expected to be commercially available in Irish pharmacies until late 2026 or early 2027, and will require a prescription following a professional medical assessment.
Why It Matters
The proliferation of illegal weight-loss products is a serious public health concern. Obesity is a major risk factor for a range of serious conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, and the demand for effective weight-loss treatments is entirely understandable. But taking unapproved products — particularly those purchased online from unverified sources — carries significant risks that can outweigh any potential benefits.
The HSE's warning is also a reminder of the importance of seeking medical advice before starting any weight-loss treatment. GLP-1 medications are not appropriate for everyone, and their use requires careful medical supervision to manage potential side effects and to ensure that they are used safely and effectively. People who are concerned about their weight should speak to their GP, who can advise on the range of evidence-based options available.
Local Impact
The HSE's warning has been widely shared on social media and has generated significant public discussion about the availability and affordability of legitimate weight-loss treatments in Ireland. Many people have expressed frustration that effective medications like Wegovy are not reimbursed by the state, arguing that the cost barrier is driving people towards unsafe alternatives. The HSE has acknowledged the concern but has emphasised that the safety risks of unapproved products are real and serious, regardless of the cost of legitimate alternatives.
What's Next
The HPRA is continuing its enforcement action against sellers of illegal weight-loss products, working with customs authorities and online platforms to identify and remove illegal listings. The HSE has indicated that it will review the reimbursement status of GLP-1 medications for weight management in the context of the National Obesity Policy, which is currently under development. Anyone who has taken an unapproved weight-loss product and is experiencing adverse effects is advised to contact their GP or to call the HSE's information line on 1800 700 700.
