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\nIllegal GLP-1 drugs obvious health dangers, the HPRA has said (stock image)<\/p>\n
A significant proportion of these were presented as GLP-1 drugs.<\/p>\n
In 2024, the number of these drugs detained was 1,582 units.<\/p>\n
Within a year that had increased to 48,752 units seized.<\/p>\n
With online purchase, people do not know what they are buying and there are obvious health dangers.<\/p>\n
The cost of the GLP-1 drugs can also drive some people to alternative markets.<\/p>\n
The HPRA has been involved in having websites shut and social media pages taken down, if they have been involved in trying to sell these prescription products.<\/p>\n
Most of these weight loss drugs have been for injection, but the more recent development is the arrival of pill versions making use much easier.<\/p>\n
A separate issue is the environmental danger when the expired injection pens and the needles are not disposed of safely, and in keeping with recommended disposal into puncture-resistant sharps containers.<\/p>\n
In reality, these drugs for diabetes and weight loss have only been on the market for a few years.<\/p>\n
So there is much we still do not know about their long-term use and effects, including wider possible health benefits.<\/p>\n
Over time, it should become much clearer what the broader benefits of these drugs are, including reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, chronic kidney disease, arthritis and other problems.<\/p>\n
The medicines regulator, the Health Products Regulatory Authority, said this week there have been over 1,500 reports of suspected adverse reactions from weight loss medication here.<\/p>\n
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea among common side effects<\/p>\n
The most common side effects reported have been gastrointestinal issues, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.<\/p>\n
There were also nine reports describing individuals who were known to be taking anti-obesity injections who died.<\/p>\n
However, the HPRA said this does not mean the medicines caused side effects or fatalities.<\/p>\n
All medicines have side effects and the primary issue with all drugs is whether they have been deemed safe and effective and also that the benefits outweigh the risks.<\/p>\n
Consultant endocrinologist at St Vincent’s University Hospital and St Columcille’s Professor Donal O’ Shea said some patients were not sure about what they were getting with weight loss drugs and some were not appropriately counselled about the side effects.<\/p>\n
Prof O’Shea told RT\u00c9 News that it is important for patients taking these drugs for obesity to be supervised by their GP or practice nurse.<\/p>\n
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\nProf Donal O’Shea said weight loss drugs have the potential to become a ‘runaway train’<\/p>\n
But he also cautioned that we need to take stock of the situation with GLP-1s before the drugs become “a runaway train”.<\/p>\n
The advice when taking GLP-1s is to drink lots of water and eat plenty of fibre so as not to get constipated.<\/p>\n
People who start vomiting should stop taking the drugs immediately.<\/p>\n
Experts say the side effects numbers here are in keeping with what has been seen in the UK.<\/p>\n
It is hard to see the popularity of these weight-loss drugs waning, despite the high prices for private patients.<\/p>\n
Clinical trials show these weight loss drugs are effective, but can healthcare systems afford them?<\/p>\n
The growth in demand is phenomenal, and it will be some years before cheaper generic versions will be available.<\/p>\n
The speed of impact in reducing weight makes these drugs very attractive, especially for people who have battled for years with yo-yo diets, extensive gym work or tried other ways to reduce their weight.<\/p>\n
Studies do show that when people cease taking GLP-1s, over time, they often return to their original or similar weight.<\/p>\n
So, are some people expected to be on them for life?<\/p>\n
The expectation is that people will keep purchasing weight loss medications in high numbers and the move away from injection to pill delivery can be expected to drive that growth.<\/p>\n
Given that reality, the most important message is that the use of GLP-1s is done under medical supervision.<\/p>\n