Tag: MHRA

20 million illegal erectile dysfunction pills seized as MHRA warns against risky online buys

People are urged to avoid risky online buys and protect their health, as the MHRA seizes over 4.4 million doses of unlicensed erectile dysfunction medicines in 2025 alone

Nearly 20 million illegally traded erectile dysfunction pills have been seized in just five years – equivalent to a single dose for three in every four adult men in the UK – as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) warns people not to risk their health by buying unauthorised medicines online. 

Between 2021 and 2025, the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit seized around 19.5 million doses of erectile dysfunction medicines, including 4.4 million in 2025 alone, working closely with Border Force to intercept shipments and disrupt organised criminal networks.  

Many of the pills seized, enough to fill two double-decker buses, were illegally sold online and contained no active ingredient, the wrong dose, hidden drugs or toxic ingredients.  

Erectile dysfunction medicines remain one of the most frequently seized illegally traded medicines in the UK, with yearly seizures more than doubling since 2022. 

Dr Zubir Ahmed, Health Innovation and Safety Minister, said: “There should be no shame in talking about erectile dysfunction, but stigma and embarrassment are being exploited by criminals selling fake medicines that can be deadly.  

“We’re cracking down on crime and as a doctor, my message is simple: speak to your GP or pharmacist. They can offer safe, effective treatments and confidential advice, taking into account your health and any other medicines you take. 

“Don’t take a gamble with your health. If a medicine isn’t coming from a registered pharmacy, it isn’t safe – and it’s breaking the law.”

Andy Morling, Head of the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit, said: “These seizures show the sheer scale of the illegal market for erectile dysfunction medicines in the UK – and the risks people are taking without realising. 

“Any medicine not authorised for sale in the UK can be unsafe or ineffective and there is no way of knowing what is in them or the negative health effects they can have. These pills may look genuine, but many are potentially dangerous. These products may contain no active ingredient, the wrong dose, hidden drugs or toxic ingredients. 

“I’m incredibly pleased we’ve taken almost 20 million doses of unauthorised erectile dysfunction medicines off the streets, including 4.4 million last year alone, in what was a record-breaking year of total seizures for the MHRA. Each and every one of those products was potentially dangerous to the public.”

Alongside major seizures, the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit is stepping up action against online sellers. Working with internet service providers, they disrupted more than 1,500 websites and social media accounts illegally selling medical products to the public in 2025 and removed more than 1,200 social media posts during the year. 

Health risks of unauthorised medicines 

Despite erectile dysfunction being common, affecting around half of men aged 40 to 70, research suggests two in five men would avoid seeking medical advice, pushing some towards unsafe online sellers. 

The MHRA is warning people: if you buy erectile dysfunction medicines from unregulated websites, social media or messaging apps, you are gambling with your health. 

Unlicensed erectile dysfunction medicines can be especially dangerous for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or those taking other medications, and can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke and dangerously low blood pressure. 

Public advice 

The MHRA urges people to: 

  • Avoid buying medicines from social media, messaging apps or unknown websites. Visit the #FakeMeds website for tools and resources to help you obtain medicines and medical devices safely online. 
  • Only use UK-registered pharmacies, including online pharmacies displaying the official green cross logo. For online pharmacies based in Great Britain you can check on the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) website that it is properly registered. 
  • Speak to a GP or pharmacist about safe and effective treatment options. 

Anyone concerned about suspicious medicines or websites can report them through the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme. 

MHRA statement on new review of paracetamol safety during pregnancy

Paracetamol should be taken as directed in the patient information leaflet

Following publication of a new systematic review and meta-analysis in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health which found no evidence that paracetamol use during pregnancy increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD or intellectual disability among children, the MHRA has reaffirmed that paracetamol continues to be the safest option for managing pain and fever during pregnancy.

Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: “Paracetamol remains safe to use during pregnancy. This large-scale analysis of the evidence found no link between taking paracetamol during pregnancy and autism, ADHD, or disability in children.

“Paracetamol has been used for many years and is the recommended first choice for treating pain or fever during pregnancy. When taken as directed, it is safe and effective.

“As with all medicines, pregnant women should speak to their doctor, pharmacist or midwife if they have any questions, and follow the guidance provided with the medicine.”

Paracetamol is recommended as the first-choice painkiller for pregnant women, used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration.

If pain does not resolve, then patients are advised to seek advice from their healthcare professional.

See NHS Guidance – Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking paracetamol for adults 

MHRA approves zapomeran (Kostaive) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) yesterday (2 January 2026) approved zapomeran (Kostaive) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, for the immunisation of individuals aged 18 years of age and older. 

Zapomeran is given as a single 0.5 mL booster dose by injection into the muscle of the upper arm. It contains a self-amplifying messenger RNA (sa-mRNA) which instructs the body’s cells to temporarily make the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

This teaches the immune system to fight off the virus in the future.  

Julian Beach, Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access at the MHRA, said: “Patient safety is our top priority. 

“The approval of zapomeran (Kostaive) provides an alternative vaccine for use in adults to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2.  

“As with all licensed medicines, we will continue to monitor its safety closely as it becomes more widely used.”

Very common side effects (which may affect more than 1 in 10 people) include pain or tenderness at the injection site, tiredness, chills, fever, muscle and joint pain, headache and dizziness. Most side effects are mild and disappear within a few days of vaccination.  

A full list of side effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) or the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), which will be published on the MHRA website within 7 days of approval. 

As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of zapomeran under close review.

Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card. 

MHRA calls on public to report side effects and suspected fakes during #MedSafetyWeek

The tenth annual #MedSafetyWeek brings together more than 130 medicines regulators and health organisations across 117 countries to encourage people to report suspected side effects from medicines and device incidents

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is urging the public to help keep medicines, medical devices, vaccines and blood products safe by reporting any side effects, device incidents and suspected fake medical products, as part of #MedSafetyWeek (3–9 November).  

The global campaign is marking its tenth year, bringing together more than 130 regulators and health organisations across 117 countries with one shared message: everyone has a role to play in medicine safety. 

Reporting matters more than ever 

With more people using medicines and medical devices than ever before – from weight loss treatments to wearable monitors – safety reporting is a key part of protecting public health.  

An estimated 2.5 million people in the UK are now using weight loss medicines, many bought online and delivered by post. Thousands use glucose sensors or blood-pressure monitors in the comfort of their own homes.

As medicines and medical devices play a bigger role in daily life, including to prevent illness rather than treat it, public reporting of safety concerns is more important than ever. 

Professor Anthony Harnden, MHRA Chair, said: “Healthcare has changed significantly over the past decade, alongside advances in science and technology. Medicines and medical devices are part of everyday life for millions of people, and many are accessed in new ways, including online.  

“If you experience a side effect, notice a device isn’t working properly, or suspect a fake medical product, please tell us via the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme. Your report could protect others – and it only takes minutes.” 

Real-world reports, real-world impact  

Reports to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme – the UK’s system for flagging concerns about medicines and medical devices – help keep the public safe.  

In the past year, reports have: 

Reports also support our criminal investigations into fake or unlicensed medicines; or research such as the Yellow Card Biobank study in collaboration with Genomics England, exploring why people respond to medicines differently, helping pave the way for more personalised treatments.  

Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: “Every Yellow Card report matters because it adds to our understanding of how medicines, medical devices and vaccines perform in the real world.

“Clinical trials involve thousands of people, but once a product is used by millions, patterns emerge that we couldn’t see before. Your report might be the one that helps us connect the dots and protect others. Importantly you don’t need to be certain about the cause – just tell us what you’ve experienced.” 

We all have a role to play – how to report 

Since its launch in 1963, the Yellow Card scheme has collected more than 1.3 million reports, with the public now its largest contributors.  

To help build awareness from an early age, information about the Yellow Card scheme has now been introduced into England’s school curriculum, teaching children why reporting helps protect others.  

Anyone – patients, carers, pharmacists, nurses, doctors – can report through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. 

Please report: 

  • Side effects – even if you’re unsure they’re linked to your medicine.  
  • Medical device problems – such as faults or unexpected behaviour. 
  • Suspected fake products – especially those bought online or via social media.  

The MHRA’s FakeMeds campaign provides advice to people in the UK who are considering buying medication online, outlining how products can be accessed from safe and legitimate sources.  

Throughout #MedSafetyWeek, the MHRA will share safety messages on social media to encourage people to tell them about medicine and medical device concerns.  

MHRA smashes major illicit weight loss medicine production facility in record seizure

MHRA strikes massive blow to organised criminal gang in world’s biggest illegal weight loss jabs raid

Officers from the Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU) of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have dismantled a major illicit manufacturing facility, making and distributing unlicensed weight-loss jabs, during a raid on a warehouse in Northampton.  

This is the first illicit production facility for weight loss medicine discovered in the UK and is believed to be the largest single seizure of trafficked weight loss medicines ever recorded by a law enforcement agency worldwide.  

During the search, MHRA officers, supported by Northamptonshire Police, seized tens of thousands of empty weight loss pens ready to be filled, raw chemical ingredients, and more than 2,000 unlicensed retatrutide and tirzepatide pens awaiting dispatch to customers. The street value of the finished weight loss products alone is estimated to be more than a quarter of a million pounds. 

Along with large amounts of sophisticated packaging and manufacturing equipment, officers recovered approximately £20,000 in cash suspected to be linked to medicines trafficking. 

The search operation, lasting two days, is the latest in the MHRA’s ongoing work to tackle the illegal trade in weight loss medicines.

The site, on an industrial estate on the outskirts of Northampton, is believed to have been used for the large-scale manufacture, packaging, and distribution of unlicensed — and potentially deadly — weight loss products to customers.  

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said: “This is a victory in the fight against the shameless criminals who are putting lives at risk by peddling dangerous and illegal weight loss jabs to make a quick buck. 

“These unregulated products, made with no regard for safety or quality, posed a major risk to unwitting customers. 

“My message is clear: don’t buy weight loss medications from unregulated sources. Talk to your GP, seek NHS advice, and don’t line the pockets of criminals who don’t care about your health.

“Safe, appropriate, licensed obesity drugs can greatly benefit those in need if taken under medical supervision, and I urge people to only purchase and use them with the approval and oversight of medics and pharmacists.” 

Andy Morling, Head of the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit, said:  “This seizure shows the lengths these criminals will go to for profit. People should be extremely cautious when buying medicines online.

“Prescription medicines should only be obtained from a registered pharmacy against a prescription issued by a healthcare professional.

“Taking prescription medicines sourced in any other way carries serious risks to your health – there are no guarantees about what they contain, and some may even be contaminated with toxic substances. 

“Taking out the first illicit weight loss medicine manufacturing facility found in the UK is a landmark result for the MHRA and a major blow to the illegal trade. These products are untested, unauthorised, and potentially deadly. By taking this organised criminal network out of operation and stopping tens of thousands of potentially fatal products from entering circulation, we’ve prevented a serious risk to public health. 

“This is an illicit global market that endangers patients, puts big money in the pockets of organised criminals, and undermines legitimate healthcare. This operation demonstrates, once again, that my officers will stop at nothing to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the organised criminal networks who put profit before safety.”  

The MHRA #FakeMeds website offers helpful guidance and advice for staying safe when buying medicines online.  

Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from a medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. 

MHRA: NO EVIDENCE that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children

There is no evidence that taking #paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.

Always follow NHS guidance and report any suspected side effects via the Yellow Card scheme https://bit.ly/2A6B165

Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: “Patient safety is our top priority. There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.   

“Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy.

“Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment. 

https://twitter.com/i/status/1970506529125064995

“Our advice on medicines in pregnancy is based on rigorous assessment of the best available scientific evidence. 

“Any new evidence that could affect our recommendations would be carefully evaluated by our independent scientific experts. 

“We continuously monitor the safety of all medicines, including those used during pregnancy, through robust monitoring and surveillance. We encourage anyone to report any suspected side effects to us via the Yellow Card scheme.”

Paracetamol is recommended as the first-choice painkiller for pregnant women, used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration.

If pain does not resolve, then patients are advised to seek advice from their healthcare professional.

See NHS Guidance – Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking paracetamol for adults 

Scottish Autism is aware that pronouncements regarding autism from the US Government will be a source of anxiety and worry for many in our community.

We are clear that public policy should be focused on recognising and accommodating the needs and rights of autistic people rather than stigmatising neurodivergence as something to be ‘treated’ or prevented. Spreading misinformation about the identified reasons why some people are born autistic does nothing to further this aim.

Scottish Autism’s focus is on finding better ways to support autistic people and their families. Our research, campaigning and service provision reflect this priority and always will.

Our Advice Line is open 10am-4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday and our Community Advisors can help you to identify what support may exist in your area.

You can call the Advice Line on 01259 222022, email advice@scottishautism.org or LiveChat with us via our website.

MHRA crackdown on illegal ‘Botox’ after victims left seriously ill

More than 40 people hospitalised following suspected use of unlicensed botulinum toxin products

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is warning criminals that they face prison as it cracks down on the illicit trade in unlicensed botulinum toxin products, commonly referred to as Botox, used in cosmetic procedures. 

The MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit has launched a number of criminal investigations following a spike in hospital admissions believed to be linked to the use of unlicensed botulinum toxin products.

Between 4 June and 6 August 2025, 41 confirmed cases of botulism – a rare but potentially life-threatening condition causing paralysis – were reported across several regions in England, including the North East, East Midlands, East of England, North West, and Yorkshire and Humber. 

The Criminal Enforcement Unit has seen evidence that some sellers and practitioners – often untrained – are obtaining unlicensed botulinum toxin products illegally and offering injections in unsafe, unregulated settings.

The treatments are being delivered in informal settings such as domestic bedrooms and kitchens, hair salons, and through mobile beauty services. Members of the public are often lured in by adverts on social media promising quick, cheap results. 

The Criminal Enforcement Unit is investigating the illegal trade in these products. Anyone caught selling or supplying unlicensed botulinum toxin faces up to two years in prison and unlimited fines under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. 

Andy Morling, Head of the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit, said: “Criminals are exploiting the popularity of cosmetic treatments by peddling dangerous, unlicensed products, putting profit before safety.

“Anyone involved in the supply of unlicensed botulinum toxin – whether through organised networks or informal sales from kitchen tables, hair salons, or via social media – is breaking the law and endangering lives. The 41 individuals we’ve seen between June and August left seriously ill represent the devastating human cost of this trade. 

“We are working across the country to identify those responsible, seize illegal products, and bring cases to court. We use the full range of our enforcement powers and techniques to shut down these operations and bring offenders to justice.” 

This crackdown is part of the MHRA’s wider work to disrupt illegal botulinum toxin supply. Since May 2023, the Criminal Enforcement Unit, working closely with its partners in Border Force, has seized more than 4,700 vials of unlicensed botulinum toxin both at the border and inland.  

Almost all of the seized products originated in South Korea, including brands such as Botulax, reNTox, Innotox, and Toxpia, which are not authorised for sale in the UK. 

The Criminal Enforcement Unit also works with social media companies to remove illegal listings and disrupt criminal networks advertising unlicensed botulinum toxin. 

Understanding the health risks 

Botulism caused by botulinum toxin in cosmetic procedures is rare, but can be life-threatening. Symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop and may include difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and breathing difficulty. In severe cases, patients may require mechanical ventilation and intensive care treatment. 

Anyone who has recently received a botulinum toxin treatment and develops any of these symptoms should seek medical help immediately via NHS 111 or emergency services. 

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said: “No one should have to suffer serious illness or risk their life because criminals are flooding the market with unsafe products.  

“This government is determined to crack down on cosmetic cowboys who exploit vulnerable consumers seeking cut-price treatments outside suitable medical settings. Through the MHRA’s criminal investigations and our new regulations, we’ll use the full force of the law against those who supply unlicensed medicines. 

“I would urge anyone considering a cosmetic procedure to consider the risks and find a reputable, insured, and qualified practitioner.”

MHRA Chief Safety Officer Dr Alison Cave said: ““Public safety is a top priority for the MHRA. Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine and should only be sold or supplied in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate prescriber such as a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. 

“Buying botulinum toxin in any other circumstances significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK. This means that there are no safeguards to ensure products meet the MHRA’s standards for quality and safety. As such, they can have life-threatening consequences for the people who take them. 

“If you are offered botulinum toxin without a medical consultation, in an informal setting, or at a price significantly below usual rates, this should be treated as a warning sign. Lower cost does not mean safe; it may put your health at risk and could lead to hospitalisation.” 

How to protect yourself and report concerns 

Licensed botulinum toxin products undergo rigorous testing and quality controls to ensure they contain the correct active ingredient at safe concentrations. Legitimate treatments should only be carried out by qualified healthcare professionals in proper clinical settings with appropriate emergency equipment available. 

Before any treatment, verify that your practitioner is medically qualified and registered with their professional body. Check that products being used are licensed in the UK by asking to see packaging and checking batch numbers. Be suspicious of unusually cheap prices, treatments offered in domestic settings, or practitioners who cannot provide proper credentials. 

The MHRA urges anyone who experiences side effects or complications after a cosmetic procedure to report them via the Yellow Card scheme at:

https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/. 

Women on “skinny jabs” must use effective contraception, MHRA urges

Anyone who suspects that they’ve had an adverse reaction to their weight loss or diabetes medicine or suspects it is not a genuine product, should report it to the MHRA. 

Women taking popular medicines for weight loss and diabetes, sometimes referred to as “skinny jabs”, are being reminded to use effective contraception while taking these medicines and, in some cases, for up to two months between stopping the medicine and trying to get pregnant.  

These medicines must not be taken during pregnancy, while trying to get pregnant, or during breastfeeding. Anyone who gets pregnant while using them should speak to their healthcare professional and stop the medicine as soon as possible. This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby. 

Effective contraception includes oral (the pill) and non-oral (the implant, coil or condoms) forms of contraception. However, Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in those who are overweight. Therefore, those taking Mounjaro who are overweight and are using an oral form of contraception are advised to also use a non-oral form of contraception. This only applies to those taking Mounjaro and is especially important for the four weeks after starting Mounjaro and after any dose increase. 
 
This advice, which is already in the patient leaflets that come with the medicine, is just one of the reminders in the latest guidance from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on the safe use of “GLP-1 medicines” known by the brand names Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda and Victoza.  

The full advice can be found on the regulator’s website. It comes after concerns from the UK regulator that some people are not using these medicines for weight loss and diabetes safely.  

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer said: “Skinny jabs are medicines licensed to treat specific medical conditions and should not be used as aesthetic or cosmetic treatments. They are not a quick fix to lose weight and have not been assessed to be safe when used in this way. 

“Our guidance offers patients a “one stop shop” for our up-to-date advice on how to use these powerful medicines safely.  

“This guidance should not be used as a substitute to reading the patient information leaflet or having a conversation with a healthcare professional as part of the prescribing process. ” 

Alongside advice on contraceptive use, the MHRA reminds patients that these medicines should not be bought from unregulated sellers such as beauty salons or via social media, or taken without a prior consultation with a healthcare professional.

Not only does this expose people wanting to lose weight to serious health risks, it is also against the law to sell these medicines in this way. 

The only way to guarantee receiving a genuine GLP-1 medicine is to obtain it from a legitimate pharmacy.  

The guidance also reminds patients of the symptoms to look out for in the event of acute pancreatitis which, although uncommon, can be serious.

The main symptom of this is severe pain in the stomach that radiates to the back and doesn’t go away. Anyone who experiences this should seek immediate medical help. 

Summary of advice to patients

  • You should only take GLP-1 medicines if they have been prescribed to you by a healthcare professional.   
  • Always have a conversation with your prescriber about the benefits and risks of GLP-1 medicines before you start taking them.   
  • Do not take GLP-1 medicines if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding. If you get pregnant while using them, you speak to a healthcare professional and stop them as soon as possible.
  • If you are prescribed Mounjaro (tirzepatide), use a barrier form of contraception and do not rely on oral contraception.   
  • Understand the potential side effects and have a conversation with a healthcare professional if you are concerned.   
  • Tell your doctor you take a GLP-1 medicine if you are about to have surgery.   
  • Report any adverse reactions to the Yellow Card scheme.   
  • After taking the recommended four doses in each syringe, any medicine left in the syringe should not be extracted and the syringe should be disposed of in the bin.  
  • Use of these medicines is not a quick fix to lose weight and the MHRA has not assessed the safety and effectiveness of these medicines when used by people who do not meet the medical requirements.   

Anyone who suspects that they’ve had an adverse reaction to a GLP-1 medicine,  or suspects it is not a genuine product, should report it to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.   

llegal medicines worth more than £30 million seized in the UK in 2023

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), working with law enforcement partners, seized more than 15.5 million doses of illegally traded medicines with a street value of more than £30 million during 2023.

his includes more than two million doses seized during Operation Pangea, the international initiative of global enforcement partners that targets the illegal internet trade in medical products.

Last year’s seizures included prescription-only anti-anxiety medicines, opioids and sleeping pills and falsified and unlicensed lifestyle products such as erectile dysfunction and hair loss medications, as well as a small number of aesthetic products such as Botox and semaglutide-containing ‘weight loss’ products.

Working with partners, the MHRA also disrupted more than 12,000 websites illegally selling medical products to the public and shut down almost 3,000 social media profiles during the year.

The MHRA works with many online marketplaces, social media platforms and technology providers, as well as a wide range of law enforcement agencies at home and abroad to investigate and remove potentially harmful medical products that are offered illegally to the public. 

Support and advice provided by the MHRA to online marketplaces resulted in the successful removal of more than half a million unregulated prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and medical devices before they could even be offered for sale to the public.

Andy Morling, MHRA Deputy Director (Criminal Enforcement), said: Public safety is our number one priority. Our Criminal Enforcement Unit works hard to prevent, detect and investigate illegal activity involving medicines and medical devices, to protect people and defeat this harmful trade.

“This year, working with partners across public and private sectors, our efforts have led to more medicines seizures than ever, custodial sentences for offenders, the removal of criminal profits and considerable success in disrupting the trade online.

“We would urge everyone to think very carefully before buying medicines they see online and to take the necessary steps to assure themselves the seller is legitimate. Buying powerful medicines from illegitimate sellers poses a real and immediate danger to your health, as you have no idea what they might actually contain. 

“If you suspect that you have seen illegal products being sold online, you can help us take action by reporting your concerns through our Yellow Card scheme.

The dangers of unlicensed medicines

If a medicine is unlicensed, it will not have been assessed by the MHRA for its safety, effectiveness or the quality of its manufacturing and distribution processes. Anyone buying such a product cannot be sure what it contains or whether it will cause them harm.

In the courts

The sale of medicines and medical devices is strictly controlled in the UK, with certain products only permitted for sale through registered pharmacies or supplied on prescription from a qualified healthcare professional.

Last year, six MHRA investigations resulted in significant custodial sentences for many of those convicted.   These prosecutions followed detailed investigations, the seizure of millions of doses of medicines and the removal of hundreds of thousands of pounds of criminal profits. 

MHRA safety advice when buying medicines online

Be careful when buying medicines online

Medicines are not ordinary consumer goods and their sale and supply is tightly controlled. Websites operating outside the legal supply chain may seem tempting, for example, offering a prescription medicine without a prescription. Not only are these sites breaking the law – they are putting your health at risk. 

Criminals use a variety of techniques to sell medicines illegally online. Some are sold using websites designed to look like legitimate pharmacies or online retailers, while others might be advertised via online marketplaces or social media sites.

Visit the #FakeMeds website for tools and resources to help people purchase medicines or medical devices safely online.

Anyone who suspects that their product is fake is encouraged to report it directly to the Yellow Card scheme, through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card. 

Safety withdrawal of pholcodine-containing cough and cold medicines

Following a comprehensive scientific safety review of the latest available data on the safety of pholcodine, together with advice from the independent Commission on Human Medicines, it has been concluded that the potential risks outweigh the benefits for these products.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) keeps the safety of medicines under review and acts where necessary to protect patients and the public.

Following a comprehensive scientific safety review of the latest available data on the safety of pholcodine, together with advice from the independent Commission on Human Medicines, it has been concluded that the potential risks outweigh the benefits for these products.

There is already a known link between pholcodine and an increased risk of the very rare event of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to muscle relaxants (neuromuscular blocking agents) that are used during general anaesthesia in surgery. In September 2022 the findings of a new study further strengthened the evidence of this link, but the overall risk is very small.

The MHRA advises that pholcodine-containing cough and cold medicines are being removed from the UK market as a precautionary measure.

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer said: “Safety is our top priority, and we keep the safety of medicines under continual review.

“Following a thorough scientific safety review of all the available evidence on pholcodine, together with advice from the independent Commission on Human Medicines, it has been recommended, as a precautionary measure, that these products should no longer be used.

“If you are taking a cough or cold medicine, check the packaging, label or patient information leaflet to see if pholcodine is a listed ingredient. If it is, and you have any questions, you can talk to your pharmacist who will suggest an alternative medicine.

“If you have an operation scheduled using general anaesthesia, tell your anaesthetist if you think you have used pholcodine, particularly in the past 12 months. The anaesthetist will be well placed to take this into account. Anaesthetists are highly trained in managing anaphylaxis.

“If you want more information or advice, please speak to your pharmacist.”

See the MHRA Drug Safety Update