Websites offering miracle products and quick-fix solutions for weight loss are all over the internet. Many make attractive claims, but the only pounds you will lose will be from your bank balance.
Fake or unlicensed medical products sold as slimming pills are untested. That means there’s no way of knowing what’s in them or what they might do to your body.
Most are useless, some are dangerous, some are designed simply to cause nausea or diarrhoea.
There have been cases of serious side-effects such as heart attacks, strokes, permanent liver damage and even death.
Don’t throw your money down the toilet. Get informed and know what you’re buying.
Help fight against the fakes by reporting products or websites you believe to be fake to the counterfeit hotline on 020 3080 6701 or counterfeit@mhra.gsi.gov.uk.
If you have a side effect to a medicine or medical device you can tell us using the Yellow Card scheme.
Follow #FakeMeds on Twitter.
What is FakeMeds?
More than half the medical products bought online are fake or unlicensed.
FakeMeds is a campaign to:
- educate young adults about the safest way to buy medicines and medical devices
- encourage young adults not to buy from unsafe and unregistered online sources
- raise awareness of some of the risks of buying fake medicines and medical devices
Common examples of fake or unlicensed medicines and medical devices include so-called ‘smart drugs’, condoms, erectile dysfunction drugs, medicines sold as sports supplements, dental equipment and STI test kits.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) seize thousands of these – and countless other illicit products and items – every year.
For more information about FakeMeds contact MHRA customer services.
020 3080 6000 info@mhra.gsi.gov.uk
Who are the MHRA?
Find out how MHRA work to make sure the medicines and medical products you buy are safe.