Experts are urging individuals to exercise extreme caution and avoid relying on Black Friday discounts for weight loss injections due to a significant surge in counterfeit products. These once-a-week jabs, known generically as semaglutide and tirzepatide (including popular brands like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro), are primarily prescribed on the NHS to manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients, but have gained widespread attention for their weight loss properties, earning them the moniker 'miracle' slimming injections.

However, the immense global demand for these medications has unfortunately paved the way for a proliferation of fake versions infiltrating the market. Health officials have repeatedly issued stern warnings to the public against purchasing these injections from social media platforms or unverified online retailers masquerading as legitimate pharmacies. Concerns are grave, as these illicit vendors are often distributing contaminated or adulterated versions of the blockbuster drugs.

The health risks associated with these counterfeit injections are severe and potentially life-threatening. Doctors have reported cases where patients have suffered seizures and even fallen into life-threatening comas after administering fake versions. Investigations have revealed that many bogus jabs may not contain the advertised active ingredients like semaglutide or tirzepatide at all; instead, they are sometimes repackaged insulin pens. An insulin surge from these fake products can cause a rapid and dangerously low drop in blood sugar, which can be fatal. Furthermore, black-market versions of Mounjaro and Ozempic have been found to be laced with harmful substances, including rat poison and even cement.

The threat escalates around peak shopping periods like Black Friday, with figures indicating a staggering 135 percent increase in fake store domains during this time. Toby Nicol, CEO of private weight-loss jab provider CheqUp, emphasized that while Black Friday offers deals, it's also a prime opportunity for counterfeiters to exploit vulnerable consumers in the weight loss injection market. He highlighted that these fake drugs often originate from unregulated manufacturing operations with minimal or non-existent quality control, stressing that these sellers are 'only interested in cash, not care'.

Alarmingly, recent survey data from MedExpress involving 2,000 weight loss jab patients revealed that one in five Britons (21 percent) have purchased these injections from an unverified 'underground' source, such as social media or unlicensed sellers, with an additional 31 percent having considered doing so. The survey also indicated that men were more likely to buy unverified drugs, with 27 percent reporting having done so compared to 16 percent of women.

The tragic case of Karen McGonigal, 53, serves as a stark reminder of these dangers. She died in May, days after being illegally administered a dose of semaglutide. Her daughters recounted that she had become 'desperate' to lose weight after a long-term relationship ended, and a beautician had offered her weight loss injections for just £20 each.

Under UK law, only pharmacies registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) are legally permitted to prescribe weight loss injections. Businesses operating without GPhC registration are not authorized to dispense medication to patients and are often run by individuals lacking any medical training. Mr. Nicol advises consumers to verify the legitimacy of their weight loss jabs by checking for a batch number and a proper medical information leaflet. Authentic injection pens typically feature unique serial numbers, which fake products will either lack or will not match the manufacturer's records.

It is crucial for patients to understand the guidelines for these medications. Under NHS guidelines, Wegovy is typically prescribed only to patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 35, or a BMI over 30 accompanied by at least one weight-related health problem, such as high blood pressure. While private prescribers are not strictly bound by NHS criteria, they are still obligated to adhere to general professional guidelines and consider national guidance to ensure that only suitable patients gain access to these powerful drugs.