Latest news with #prescription
BreakingNews.ie
14-07-2025
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
People turning to pharmacists for medical advice due to GP delays, research shows
More people are turning to their local pharmacist for medical advice as they struggle to get a doctor's appointment. Research by the Irish Pharmacy Union also shows nine in 10 think pharmacists should be allowed to prescribe medication for minor illnesses, such as back pain and migraines. Advertisement The survey of 2,000 people found nearly four-in-five are now waiting longer to get an appointment with their GP. Meanwhile, figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) show there are 364 patients on trolleys on Monday morning. 226 patients are waiting in the emergency department, while 138 are in wards elsewhere in hospitals. The hospital with the highest number of patients without a bed is University Hospital Limerick, with 83 people waiting for a bed.
Medical News Today
12-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Wegovy Online: Getting a Wegovy (semaglutide) Prescription in 2025
Key takeawaysPeople can only get Wegovy online with a doctor's prescription. Eligible people must meet specific eligibility criteria, including having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health can cost between $1,300 and $1,400 per dose without insurance, but savings programs and health insurance can significantly reduce out-of-pocket reputable telehealth companies offer Wegovy prescriptions online. These include PlushCare or Sesame Care. People with existing prescriptions can try Amazon Pharmacy.A quick look at where to buy Wegovy onlineBest for coaching: Ro Body for Wegovy | Skip to reviewBest for a weight loss program: Noom Med for Wegovy | Skip to reviewBest for insurance coverage: PlushCare for Wegovy | Skip to reviewBest for fast appointments: Sesame Care for Wegovy | Skip to reviewBest for a holistic approach: Calibrate Metabolic Reset | Skip to reviewBest for coupons and savings: Amazon Pharmacy for Wegovy | Skip to reviewBest for money back guarantee: LifeMD for Wegovy | Skip to reviewOur top picks for places to get Wegovy onlineBelow, we look into some of the best places to get Wegovy online. Telehealth services offer several weight loss medications, including Wegovy. Getting Wegovy online with insurance from these companies is often simple, as many may accept insurance to reduce the cost of their weight management services. However, you will still have to check with your insurance provider to see if they will cover the cost of any for coachingRo Body for WegovyAccepts insurance: yesConsultation fee: $45Subscription fee: $145 per monthOther available resources: health coaching, weight loss programGET STARTED WITH ROMNT's reviewRo is a telehealth company offering services for sexual health, fertility, and hair and skin health. It recently began offering weight loss services under the Ro Body program, which combines prescription weight loss medication with personalized the Ro Body program, eligible customers can access Wegovy and other GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic or Body is a 12-month program that costs $45 for the first month and $145 each month afterward. The service bills medications at an additional to get a prescriptionWhen signing up for Ro Body, individuals will have a consultation with one of Ro's healthcare professional partners. In some cases, they may recommend a blood an individual acquires approval for Wegovy, a healthcare professional will write a prescription, and the company can send the medication to a designated pharmacy within 4 to 6 weeks of the initial insurance does not cover Ro Body, Ro's insurance concierge will help customers navigate their insurance coverage for GLP-1 supportMembers of the Ro Body program can benefit from personal coaching, an at-home metabolism test kit, up to 24 video sessions with a healthcare professional, and online lessons on exercise, nutrition, sleep, and mental our in-depth review of & consone-on-one coachingworks with insurance providers to determine coverageon-demand messaging with healthcare professionalhigher cost than some similar platformsnot all health coaches have professional nutrition credentialsone-on-one coachingworks with insurance providers to determine coverageon-demand messaging with healthcare professionalhigher cost than some similar platformsnot all health coaches have professional nutrition credentialsProduct detailsAvailable medications: Ozempic, Wegovy, ZepboundReturns: memberships can be cancelled before next billing cycleShipping: prescriptions are sent to local pharmacyAvailable medications: Ozempic, Wegovy, ZepboundReturns: memberships can be cancelled before next billing cycleShipping: prescriptions are sent to local pharmacyBest for a weight loss programNoom Med for WegovyAccepts insurance: no, but some employee benefits packages may provide coverageConsultation fee: $0Subscription fee: $69 for your first month, plus $99 per month going forwardOther available resources: health coaching, comprehensive weight loss curriculum, food tracking appGET STARTED WITH NOOMMNT's reviewNoom is a company that aims to help people lose weight and maintain this weight loss healthily and sustainably. Recently, the company launched Noom Med is an umbrella for all options that feature medical support and offers branded Wegovy. Noom Med costs $69 for your first month, plus $99 per month thereafter, and this includes a Noom Weight to get a prescriptionTo use this service, you must complete a questionnaire about your demographic profile, including how much weight you want to lose and your current eating appropriate, the service will connect you with a clinician who will order lab tests and create a personalized weight loss plan, including supportNoom Med is only available to those with a Noom Weight membership. Members can benefit from tracking tools, meal and fitness plans, and a range of lifestyle and behavioral support that may help with sustainable weight loss and weight management more about Noom vs Weight & consholistic weight loss approach subscription covers the cost of consultationsaccepts insuranceonly available in 35 statesunclear pricing for lab tests and medicationholistic weight loss approach subscription covers the cost of consultationsaccepts insuranceonly available in 35 statesunclear pricing for lab tests and medicationProduct detailsAvailable medications: Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy, MounjaroReturns: memberships are cancelable, but program costs are nonrefundableShipping: may varyAAPI-FoundedAvailable medications: Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy, MounjaroReturns: memberships are cancelable, but program costs are nonrefundableShipping: may varyAAPI-FoundedBest for insurance coveragePlushCare for WegovyAccepts insurance: yesConsultation fee: insurance copay or $129 for first visit without insuranceSubscription fee: $19.99 per monthOther available resources: unlimited messaging with care team, discounts on lab testsGET STARTED WITH PLUSHCAREMNT's reviewPlushCare offers several GLP-1 medications, including Wegovy.A PlushCare membership costs $19.99 per month. If you do not have insurance, you must pay $129 for your first membership may save you money if you do not have insurance or if your insurer will not cover the cost of the company's Rx Price Finder and a prescription discount card, people who take out a membership can save up to 80% on more about the best telemedicine to get a prescriptionTo receive a prescription for Wegovy from PlushCare, you must book an appointment with a board certified professional with experience treating weight management concerns. Many appointments are available on the same all reputable services, you must undergo lab tests before a healthcare professional prescribes the supportThe company will work with your insurance company to cover all or part of the cost of Plushcare members benefit from unlimited messaging with a healthcare professional and discounts on lab our in-depth review of & consplans include lifestyle recommendationsthose without insurance can save money with a discount card and Rx Price Findercompetitive membership pricingnot as much holistic support as other companieswithout membership, you must pay for doctor consultationsplans include lifestyle recommendationsthose without insurance can save money with a discount card and Rx Price Findercompetitive membership pricingnot as much holistic support as other companieswithout membership, you must pay for doctor consultationsProduct detailsReturns: memberships can be cancelled before next billing cycleShipping: prescriptions are sent to local pharmacyReturns: memberships can be cancelled before next billing cycleShipping: prescriptions are sent to local pharmacyBest for fast appointmentsSesame Care for WegovyAccepts insurance: noConsultation fee: varies by healthcare professionalSubscription fee: from $89Other available resources: Sesame Care Plus subscription comes with free lab or blood tests and $10 off dental and primary care visitsGET STARTED WITH SESAME CAREMNT's reviewWhile Sesame Care does not offer a weight loss membership, Sesame Care Plus may help reduce the cost of appointments. This subscription costs $10.99 per month or $99 per to get a prescriptionTo receive a prescription for Wegovy from Sesame Care, you must book an appointment with a healthcare professional through its healthcare professionals have same-day availability. Once a doctor prescribes the medication, you can pick up Wegovy at your local pharmacy on the same supportSesame Care members benefit from $10 off every telehealth, primary care, dentist, or specialist appointment. They also receive one free lab or blood test our in-depth review of Sesame & conslower fees for healthcare professional consultationsoffers same-day pickupdoes not offer as much support as other servicesmembership options do not offer as many benefits as some other serviceslower fees for healthcare professional consultationsoffers same-day pickupdoes not offer as much support as other servicesmembership options do not offer as many benefits as some other servicesProduct detailsReturns: full refund when cancelled within 3 hours before scheduled virtual visit or 24 hours before scheduled in-person visitShipping: prescriptions are sent to local pharmacyReturns: full refund when cancelled within 3 hours before scheduled virtual visit or 24 hours before scheduled in-person visitShipping: prescriptions are sent to local pharmacyBest for a holistic approachCalibrate Metabolic ResetAccepts insurance: The program is not covered by insurance. However, GLP-1 medications may be covered depending on your insurance fee: $0Subscription fee: $199 per month with 3-month commitmentOther available resources: personalized video coaching, comprehensive weight loss curriculumGET STARTED WITH CALIBRATEMNT's reviewCalibrate offers its members the opportunity to lose weight via its Metabolic Reset program, a 52-week program includes lab work, a virtual doctor visit, support navigating insurance coverage, and ongoing access to medical and support to get a prescriptionTo join Calibrate's Metabolic Reset Program, you must first complete an online form. The service will then provide you with a link to schedule an online visit with one of Calibrate's will email a lab order to you 3 days after joining. You will need to contact a local healthcare professional about giving a blood sample so that the results are available for the Calibrate doctor before your first online is available in all 50 U.S. states, including supportCalibrate states that it will navigate your insurance on their behalf. For most members with commercial insurance, the cost should reportedly be around $25 per month or service also offers holistic weight loss support through 1:1 bi-weekly video coaching sessions, tracking tools, and a curriculum focused on food, sleep, exercise, and emotional 5 days after signing up, you will receive your welcome kit, including instructions on downloading the Calibrate app, syncing the scale, and syncing Google Fit or Apple Health & consavailable in all 50 U.S. states and promote gradual diet and lifestyle changesincludes 1:1 bi-weekly video coaching sessionsa range of available GLP-1 medications1-year minimum sign-upprogram cost does not include GLP-1 medication program coaches are not qualified healthcare professionalsavailable in all 50 U.S. states and promote gradual diet and lifestyle changesincludes 1:1 bi-weekly video coaching sessionsa range of available GLP-1 medications1-year minimum sign-upprogram cost does not include GLP-1 medication program coaches are not qualified healthcare professionalsProduct detailsAvailable medications: Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Saxenda, Trulicity, RybelsusReturns: full refund if canceled within 72 hours of purchaseShipping: prescriptions are shipped free or sent to local pharmacyWomen-FoundedAvailable medications: Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Saxenda, Trulicity, RybelsusReturns: full refund if canceled within 72 hours of purchaseShipping: prescriptions are shipped free or sent to local pharmacyWomen-FoundedBest for coupons and savingsAmazon Pharmacy for WegovyAccepts insurance: yesConsultation fee: noSubscription fee: optional $14.99 monthly Amazon Prime membershipOther available resources: noneSHOP NOW AT AMAZON PHARMACYMNT's reviewPeople can fill an existing Wegovy prescription through Amazon Pharmacy. This service is free and available to those with or without an Amazon Prime subscription. Users only pay the price of their will automatically apply any eligible Wegovy coupons to a person's medication order, which can provide significant savings on the cost of Wegovy. The pharmacy also helps users check their insurance copay to make pricing accessible and transparent. Plus, Amazon writes that Prime members can save up to 80% on brand-name and generic to get a prescriptionNew users can transfer an existing Wegovy prescription to Amazon Pharmacy. If a person is looking to get a Wegovy prescription, they can sign up for Amazon One Medical to speak to a doctor. This partnership is between Amazon and One Medical, a telehealth company with online and in-person appointments available throughout the United supportIf people need support with their orders, Amazon pharmacists are available 24/7. However, unless a person has an Amazon One Medical subscription, there is no follow-up support available related to a person's health goals or treatment plan through Amazon Pharmacy. People seeking help with their treatment plan may wish to consider an Amazon One Medical subscription to get access to regular appointments with a & consoffers transparent pricingautomatically applies eligible couponssuitable for those with existing prescriptionsreportedly fast shipping times those without an existing prescription need to sign up for Amazon One Medicalno follow-up care for Wegovy available from healthcare professionalsoffers transparent pricingautomatically applies eligible couponssuitable for those with existing prescriptionsreportedly fast shipping times those without an existing prescription need to sign up for Amazon One Medicalno follow-up care for Wegovy available from healthcare professionalsProduct detailsReturns: no returnsShipping: Free 2-day delivery for Prime membersReturns: no returnsShipping: Free 2-day delivery for Prime membersBest for money back guaranteeLifeMD for WegovyAccepts insurance: no but offers support navigating insurance coverageConsultation fee: not disclosedSubscription fee: starts from $75Other available resources: insurance navigation, clinical guidance, metabolic testing, weight loss tracker, ongoing physician careSHOP NOW AT LIFEMDMNT's reviewLifeMD's Weight Management Program costs $75 monthly and includes insurance assistance and ongoing provider care. With insurance copay, a 30-day supply of medication will cost between $0 and $ to get a prescriptionTo get started, a person must complete a confidential online questionnaire about their weight loss goals and health history. An affiliated provider will then receive this form for review to determine if Wegovy is suitable for the person they are approved, a prescription is sent to a local pharmacy. If stock is unavailable, an alternative for direct postage to the person's address may be supportIf you can only buy Wegovy online without insurance, LifeMD will present different options and may offer prescription discount coupons to reduce total out-of-pocket payments. LifeMD also offers a unique weight loss money-back guarantee. If participants in their Weight Management Program don't lose at least 10% of their body weight within a year, they're eligible for a & consprovides insurance assistance and supportoffers money back guaranteeshipping cost is not included in the monthly costprovides insurance assistance and supportoffers money back guaranteeshipping cost is not included in the monthly costProduct detailsReturns: no returnsShipping: $25 shippingReturns: no returnsShipping: $25 shippingComparing where to get Wegovy onlineThe following table compares the services offering Wegovy prescriptions costSubscription priceRo Bodyfrom $270 per month without insurance$45 for the first month, $145 monthly thereafterNoom Medno information available$69 for the first month, $99 monthly thereafterPlushCare$1,300 to $1,500 per injection$19.99 per monthSesame Care$249 per month$10.99 per month or $99 per yearCalibrate$25 per month or less for members who have commercial insurance$199 per month or $1,749 per yearAmazon Pharmacyfrom $50 with insurancefrom $1,618.83 without insurancefree or included with Amazon Prime membershipLifeMDup to $25 with insurancefrom $1,350 without insurancefrom $75 a monthIs it possible to get a Wegovy prescription online?Yes, it is possible to get a Wegovy prescription online. Several telehealth companies offer this medication if a healthcare professional believes it is you sign up for an online weight management service, a doctor on the platform will contact you via phone or the service's website. After this consultation, you will likely need to complete lab tests to ensure Wegovy is the right medication for your advantage of getting Wegovy online is that it is quicker and more convenient than visiting a physical doctor's office, especially if you live in a more rural location. Some services may send the medication directly to your home, or you can pick it up at your local pharmacy that same day.»MORE:How to reduce the cost of WegovyHow we chose the best places to get Wegovy onlineMedical News Today carefully vets every telehealth service that offers glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) medications. We only include companies that meet the following criteria:Safety: These services do not offer compounded semaglutide. Compounded semaglutide can be dangerous and cause adverse health These services have clear and accessible privacy policies and will not sell a customer's personal or medical to healthcare professionals: These services work with board certified healthcare professionals to review responses, provide consultations, and prescribe medication. Insurance: All these services work with major insurance companies to cover as many medications as criteria for WegovyWegovy is the first GLP-1 medication to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss. The organization approved it in there are strict eligibility criteria that you will need to meet before a healthcare professional will prescribe the medication:You must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or must have a BMI of 27 or over and have at least one weight-related health ages 12 and over must have a BMI in the 95th percentile for their age and health conditions include type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood professionals will also recommend following a calorie-reduced diet and increasing your physical activity while taking this the best meal delivery services for weight should not use Wegovy?Wegovy may be unsuitable for some individuals. To the best of your knowledge, you must answer any healthcare professional's questions to help reduce the risk of severe and possibly fatal side effects. People with the following circumstances should not use Wegovy:a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancerMultiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome 2a high risk of pancreatitissevere allergic reactions to semaglutide or other ingredients in Wegovy»Learn about Wegovy side effects.A note on Wegovy shortagesWegovy is just one of the popular weight loss injections experiencing shortages. Due to increased demand, doses of Wegovy (semaglutide) can sometimes be in short supply. Depending on the strength a doctor prescribes, you may find it difficult to get this of May 2025, Wegovy is available in all doses, and the FDA has declared its previous shortage as some pharmacies may offer compounded semaglutide, it is best to avoid buying non-branded medication. The FDA has not approved compounded semaglutide or evaluated its safety. It has also received reports of adverse effects from people who used compounded versions of this professionals may prescribe alternative GLP-1 medications, such as Mounjaro, Ozempic, or more about alternatives to for buying Wegovy onlineIt is important to choose a safe online pharmacy that offers authentic Wegovy medication. Some signs of safe and unsafe pharmacies include the following:A safe online pharmacy will:always need a valid prescription before providing medicationhave a physical address and telephone number in the United Stateshave a licensed pharmacist available to answer questionsAn unsafe online pharmacy may:not ask for a prescriptionnot have a United States or board license to operatenot have a licensed pharmacist available to answer questionssend medication that is in broken or damaged packaging, in an unexpected language, or has expiredoffer Wegovy at prices that seem very low, or offer discounts or couponsnot provide a clear privacy policy, or may sell personal and medical information to other sitesmay use counterfeit medications that can contain dangerous substances or incorrect dosesFeatured Partner OfferAmazon One Medical 4.9 (41k+) from App StoreAccepts insurance: yesAvailable GLP-1 medications: Mounjaro, Wegovy, ZepboundMembership price: $9 per month with PrimePay-per-visit price: from $29SHOP NOW AT AMAZONFrequently asked questions about getting Wegovy onlineIs Wegovy right for me?Wegovy is just one of several GLP-1 medications that can help you lose weight and manage any weight-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. Wegovy contains semaglutide, which is also the main ingredient in Ozempic. While Ozempic does not have FDA approval for weight management, doctors may prescribe it there are no studies investigating the effectiveness of Wegovy versus Ozempic, doctors prescribe Wegovy at a higher dose, which may mean you notice more weight loss. It is important to ask your doctor about each medication's side effects and attend follow-up appointments to adjust or change your medication as more about the differences between Wegovy and is just one of several GLP-1 medications that can help you lose weight and manage any weight-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. Wegovy contains semaglutide, which is also the main ingredient in Ozempic. While Ozempic does not have FDA approval for weight management, doctors may prescribe it there are no studies investigating the effectiveness of Wegovy versus Ozempic, doctors prescribe Wegovy at a higher dose, which may mean you notice more weight loss. It is important to ask your doctor about each medication's side effects and attend follow-up appointments to adjust or change your medication as more about the differences between Wegovy and Wegovy make me lose weight?Yes, Wegovy can help you lose weight. This drug delays gastric emptying, meaning food stays longer in your stomach, making you feel fuller. However, Wegovy is not a miracle drug. You must still make lifestyle changes, such as reducing your calorie intake and increasing physical services offering weight loss programs, such as Noom and Calibrate, can help you make sustainable lifestyle changes during and after taking Wegovy can help you lose weight. This drug delays gastric emptying, meaning food stays longer in your stomach, making you feel fuller. However, Wegovy is not a miracle drug. You must still make lifestyle changes, such as reducing your calorie intake and increasing physical services offering weight loss programs, such as Noom and Calibrate, can help you make sustainable lifestyle changes during and after taking do I need to ask my doctor before taking Wegovy?It is important to ask your doctor any questions that you may have before starting any medication. This can help you decide whether you trust them to professionally and supportively assist you on your health you do not like the way the healthcare professional answers your questions or feel as though they will not give you the support you need while taking medication, you might need to find another doctor. Having a healthcare professional who can answer your questions in a way you can understand is very questions you may wish to ask include:What dose will you be prescribing, and why?What side effects can I expect with this dose?How do I store the medication?How do I use the medication?Do you offer any further help and support, or can you refer me to someone who does?What happens if my dose is out of stock?It is important to ask your doctor any questions that you may have before starting any medication. This can help you decide whether you trust them to professionally and supportively assist you on your health you do not like the way the healthcare professional answers your questions or feel as though they will not give you the support you need while taking medication, you might need to find another doctor. Having a healthcare professional who can answer your questions in a way you can understand is very questions you may wish to ask include:What dose will you be prescribing, and why?What side effects can I expect with this dose?How do I store the medication?How do I use the medication?Do you offer any further help and support, or can you refer me to someone who does?What happens if my dose is out of stock?What happens after I stop taking Wegovy?Wegovy is a drug that you can stay on long term. However, some people may need to stop taking this medication, especially if they are experiencing side you stop taking Wegovy, you may gain some of the weight you previously lost. However, there are ways to stop or limit this rebound weight.A study that the European Congress of Obesity featured found that people can maintain their weight loss by slowly tapering down the dosage. You may wish to consult your doctor to determine a tapering schedule to maximize your likelihood of maintaining weight loss.A 2024 study found that using semaglutide while exercising can help maintain weight loss after stopping the medication. You can increase your physical activity at a gym or use home gym equipment, which may be more is a drug that you can stay on long term. However, some people may need to stop taking this medication, especially if they are experiencing side you stop taking Wegovy, you may gain some of the weight you previously lost. However, there are ways to stop or limit this rebound weight.A study that the European Congress of Obesity featured found that people can maintain their weight loss by slowly tapering down the dosage. You may wish to consult your doctor to determine a tapering schedule to maximize your likelihood of maintaining weight loss.A 2024 study found that using semaglutide while exercising can help maintain weight loss after stopping the medication. You can increase your physical activity at a gym or use home gym equipment, which may be more weight loss pill is similar to Wegovy?Several FDA-approved pills can help people manage weight, including:Alli (orlistat)ContraveQysmiaHowever, none of these medications work in the same way as Wegovy. There are no weight loss pills with the same mechanism of action as GLP-1 injectable FDA-approved pills can help people manage weight, including:Alli (orlistat)ContraveQysmiaHowever, none of these medications work in the same way as Wegovy. There are no weight loss pills with the same mechanism of action as GLP-1 injectable I get a prescription for Wegovy online?Yes, it is possible for people to get a Wegovy prescription online. A range of telehealth companies will prescribe Wegovy after a person has a health consultation with a healthcare professional. The healthcare professional will only prescribe Wegovy if they think it is medically it is possible for people to get a Wegovy prescription online. A range of telehealth companies will prescribe Wegovy after a person has a health consultation with a healthcare professional. The healthcare professional will only prescribe Wegovy if they think it is medically there a Wegovy coupon?Yes, there is a Wegovy coupon. The manufacturer of the drug, Novo Nordisk, has a coupon through its support program, WeGoTogether. You can use it alongside your insurance, but you cannot use it with Medicare, Medicaid, or any other government health can help you save money on Wegovy and give you access to weight loss support more about Wegovy coupons, costs, and how to there is a Wegovy coupon. The manufacturer of the drug, Novo Nordisk, has a coupon through its support program, WeGoTogether. You can use it alongside your insurance, but you cannot use it with Medicare, Medicaid, or any other government health can help you save money on Wegovy and give you access to weight loss support more about Wegovy coupons, costs, and how to people are wondering how to get Wegovy as the drug increases in popularity and availability. Several online services, including PlushCare and Sesame Care, offer prescriptions for this medication. It is important to vet each online pharmacy carefully to ensure it offers a safe version of this drug.
CTV News
09-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Health Canada issues warning about unauthorized sexual enhancement products
Health Canada's offices at Tunney's Pasture, in Ottawa is seen on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang Health Canada issued a warning Wednesday about unauthorized sexual enhancement products sold in Kitchener, Toronto and Etobicoke. The agency said the products, which go by a variety of different names, were found to contain sildenafil or tadalafil. Both are erectile dysfunction drugs that require a prescription from a doctor. Health Canada said the products were not approved by the agency, meaning they have not been 'assessed for safety, effectiveness and quality.' They could contain ingredients not listed on the label, and possibly at doses that exceed the maximum amount recommended. Anyone who used the drugs is advised to contact their health care provider if they have any concerns. A list of the products, and the locations where they were sold, can be found on Health Canada's website.
The Independent
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Gemma Collins's weight loss jab Instagram ad banned by watchdog
prescription -only weight-loss jabs have been banned by a watchdog. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled against the ads, making it 'crystal clear' that all injectable forms of weight-loss medication were prescription-only and therefore could not advertised to the public. The crackdown has seen a total of nine rulings against the adverts, including one featuring TV personality Gemma Collins. In December, the ASA warned businesses and individuals who were targeting members of the public with ads for the medicines. It said no one operating in the industry could say they had not been warned that weight-loss prescription-only medicines 'must not be promoted to the public'. The ads banned this week include an Instagram post by Collins, posted on January 6, which promoted the weight-loss service Yazen. In a video, Collins said: 'I'm starting this year two sizes down, thanks to Yazen's weight loss app and medication. It's really quick and easy to get started with Yazen, it has absolutely changed my life… I finally found something that actually I lose weight on.' She added: 'Yes, there's reports and stuff. And I'm not telling anyone to go on this medication, but it is prescribed on the NHS.' Two complainants challenged whether the ad breached rules because it promoted prescription-only medication to the public. Yazen said the post had been intended to share information about their 'holistic, responsible approach to weight loss', and had not been intended to focus solely on medication. Following notification of the complaint, and in agreement with Collins, the post has been amended to remove any reference to prescription-only medications. Yazen said they would ensure that future posts were compliant with the advertising code. Collins said she took her responsibilities under the advertising code seriously and strove to comply with them. She accepted that her posts had promoted the Yazen weight-loss service and app, and said Yazen would approve any marketing materials she might post in future, and she would follow any guidance that the ASA provided. The ASA also banned an ad for prescription-only weight-loss medication posted by CheqUp, which read: 'No GP or pharmacy visit, just a 2-minute online consultation.' CheqUp told the ASA that they believed the ad had been created in line with what had become widespread industry practice in the weight-loss sector. They assured the ASA that the ad would not appear again. Other providers who have had their ads banned include Juniper UK, Cloud Pharmacy, and Phlo Clinic and SemaPen. The ASA said the rulings established the advertising of named weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic and Saxenda was banned, as was the use of various claims such as 'obesity treatment jab' and 'weight loss pen'. In April, the ASA said a search in January found around 1,800 unique paid-for weight-loss ads which were identified as potentially advertising a prescription-only medicine. It has published a joint Enforcement Notice with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency and General Pharmaceutical Council, making clear that ads for named weight-loss prescription-only medications are prohibited, including online, on social media and by influencers.
News.com.au
09-07-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Major crackdown on medicinal cannabis, doctor writes 17k scripts
Some practitioners have issued more than 10,000 medicinal cannabis prescriptions in just six months, it can be revealed as Australia's health watchdog announces a major crackdown. Authorities have become concerned at 'poor practice' in the burgeoning industry, saying it has led to underage patients receiving scripts and reports of medicinal cannabis-induced psychosis. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and National Boards on Wednesday announced the first official guidelines for prescribing the drug. 'We don't prescribe opioids to every patient who asks for them, and medicinal cannabis is no different,' Medical Board of Australia Chair Dr Susan O'Dwyer said. 'Patient demand is no indicator of clinical need.' The regulators said a lax system had led to fears of profits 'over patient safety', citing reports of 'serious adverse outcomes such as psychotic episodes' for patients whose medical history was not properly considered. One practitioner is believed to have written 17,000 scripts in half a year, while seven others issued more than 10,000 each. Some consultations are lasting 'a few seconds', according to Aphra, and cannabis was being prescribed simply because patients were requesting it. The new guidelines include thorough assessment of patients, taking their medical history into account, creating management plans and continuity of care, maintaining medical records and offering different treatment options. Ahpra chief executive Justin Untersteiner warned practitioners of the inherent conflict of interest for working in an organisation that only prescribes and dispenses a single medicine. 'Some business models that have emerged in this area rely on prescribing a single product or class of drug and use online questionnaires that coach patients to say 'the right thing' to justify prescribing medicinal cannabis,' Mr Untersteiner said. 'This raises the very real concern that some practitioners may be putting profits over patient welfare.' Ahpra has taken action against 57 medical practitioners, pharmacists and nurses over medicinal cannabis prescribing practices and is investigating 60 more. Mr Untersteiner added Ahpra 'will investigate practitioners with high rates of prescribing any scheduled medicine, including medicinal cannabis, even if we have not received a complaint'. GPs and qualified nurses have been able to prescribe medicinal cannabis for patients under a legal access scheme since 2016. Under the laws they must only make the prescription after identifying a therapeutic need and undertaking a thorough patient assessment. Data from the Penington Institute showed in November that Australians spent $400 million on medicinal cannabis in the first six months of 2024. That was up on the $234 million for the whole of 2022. Ahpra estimated last February that the number of unregistered users of medicinal cannabis products had 'spiralled' from 18,000 in 2019 to more than one million by January 2024. Wayne Hall, a professor at the National Centre for Research on Youth Substance Use Research at the University of Queensland, told The Guardian last year he expected Australia's market to follow a trajectory seen in Canada and the US. 'When you create a medical cannabis program … the pressure is often brought to bear to expand it so it merges into a de facto legal cannabis market for adults,' Prof Hall said. In a statement the Therapeutic Goods Administration welcomed the new guidelines, saying it was working closely with regulators to ensure safe prescription of medicines.
