Health experts are issuing an urgent warning about the dangers of buying unregulated medication and the health risks posed by unsafe, counterfeit, or unapproved prescription medicines.
Unregulated sellers, often operating online, bypass vital consultations with GPs or pharmacists, leaving patients vulnerable to serious harm, including life-threatening consequences.
Clinicians across the North East and North Cumbria are particularly concerned about the growing trend of unprescribed purchases of popular medications, such as weight loss treatments, or 'skinny jabs', from unreliable, unregulated and unregistered sources.
Professor Ewan Maule, clinical director, pharmacy and medicines, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "Prescription medicines are strictly regulated for a reason.
"Taking prescription-only medication without proper advice from a GP or pharmacist is extremely dangerous.
"Counterfeit drugs are often expired, diluted, or may not even be the medicine they are advertised as. This can cause harmful side effects, react badly with other medicines you’re taking - or even be fatal.
"In addition, there are real risks from taking too much medication by mistake. It can be easy to get confused about the right amount to take, so it’s very important that patients always talk to a GP or pharmacist before using any prescription medicine. This helps make sure they know exactly what they’re taking and how to use it safely.
"Tragically, we know several people in the UK have already died after taking unregulated drugs purchased online."
Dr Neil O'Brien, ICB chief medical officer, added: "Medication decisions can be complex and often require ongoing monitoring by a healthcare professional.
"Buying unregulated medicines online, or from any other source, means there is no medical oversight and could result in devastating consequences.
"It's always best to speak to a trusted healthcare professional before accessing any medication, as they know your medical history and can advise you whether the medicine would be suitable, but if you do choose to buy medicines online, please ensure that any online pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)".
Amanda Healy, director of public health, Durham County Council, and chair of the North East Association of Directors of Public Health, shared the ICB's commitment to protecting public safety.
"We fully appreciate that maintaining a healthy weight can be difficult for many of us and we want people who may be struggling to know that there is expert help available to them," she said.
“If you feel you need help, we would encourage you to take the first step by seeing a GP or pharmacist who will be able to advise you on the best course of action for you.
“There are many tools available to help with weight loss and medication is just one of them, but your GP or pharmacist can discuss your circumstances with you and advise on what would work best for you.”