Asda Pharmacy has launched a \u201cjudgement-free\u201d disposal scheme for medications that may have been bought from unregulated sources.<\/p>\n
In a statement published on 18 June 2026, Asda said the scheme has been designed to encourage \u201canyone who may have purchased an unregulated product to safely dispose of it in one of its 230 pharmacies and seek professional advice\u201d.<\/p>\n
Asda went on to cite results of a survey of 267 GPs, carried out online by Research Without Borders between 1 and 10 May 2026, which have indicated a rise in patients being offered unregulated medication.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver 4 in 5 GPs (86%) have seen an increase in patients being offered unregulated medication over the past 12 months,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne in four GPs (25%) say they have encountered patients who required hospital care following complications \u2014 underlining the importance of accessing support through regulated healthcare providers.\u201d<\/p>\n
It added that 45% of respondents have highlighted \u201cworries about inappropriate advice from non-clinical sellers\u201d.<\/p>\n
The survey results also suggested that some products are being purchased in settings such as gyms, beauty salons and social media.<\/p>\n
Faisal Tuddy, head of Asda Pharmacy, said:\u00a0\u201cWe know lots of our customers are looking for help managing their weight, and it\u2019s really important they feel confident they\u2019re getting safe, trusted support.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt Asda Pharmacy, we\u2019re here to make that journey simpler \u2014 offering friendly, professional advice and clinically appropriate options that are tailored to each individual, with support every step of the way.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf anyone is unsure about something they\u2019ve bought, we\u2019d always encourage them to pop in and have a chat with a pharmacist. Our new service is all about giving customers peace of mind \u2014 helping them feel supported, informed and able to make safer choices, without any judgement.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tase Oputu, president of the Royal College of Pharmacy, said: \u201cWe welcome any initiative that encourages people to seek advice about medicines obtained from unregulated sources.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMedicines obtained outside regulated supply chains can pose significant risks to patient safety, as there\u2019s no assurance of their quality, safety or effectiveness. Anyone who has concerns about a medicine they have obtained should speak to a pharmacist for reliable, professional advice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Roz Gittins, chief pharmacy officer at the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), said: \u201cWe are very concerned about people getting medicines for weight management from unregulated sources.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Great Britain, if the medicines aren\u2019t supplied by a pharmacy that is registered with the GPhC, then the medicines may be fake, and this is a major patient safety concern.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll legitimate pharmacies must be registered with the GPhC and meet our standards. Before making any purchases we would urge the public to always check if an online pharmacy is on our pharmacy register which is available at www.pharmacyregulation.org<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n