The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency routinely monitors medicines being offered for sale on the Internet and is concerned about the increase in the online availability of medicines, including slimming pills.
In the United Kingdom (UK), there are strict legal controls on the retail sale, supply and advertisement of medicinal products. These controls apply without distinction to medicines sold or supplied through Internet transactions and mail order.
Slimming drugs are, generally speaking, classified as prescription only medicines (POM) and are available only after a consultation with a healthcare practitioner. Products purchased from Internet sites cannot be guaranteed for their quality, safety and efficacy, nor can their effects on patients be monitored. For these reasons, the supply of POMs is strictly controlled in the UK and breaches in regulatory requirements are investigated.
Additionally, specific information relating to slimming products and other medicines considered to be at risk of counterfeiting are circulated to stakeholders in order to increase vigilance through more focused surveillance and inspections.
Mechanisms for promoting suitable medical supervision, however, are matters of professional practice and are not covered by medicines legislation.