GPhC issues enforcement notice on weight-loss medicine advertising

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has issued an updated enforcement notice targeting misleading online advertisements for prescription-only weight management medicines.

The notice warns pharmacy professionals and online providers that promoting these medicines without appropriate clinical oversight may breach advertising regulations and compromise fitness to practise standards.

The GPhC’s action follows a rise in online marketing of weight-loss treatments such as semaglutide and liraglutide, often presented without sufficient information about risks, contraindications, or the need for medical supervision. The regulator emphasized that registrants must ensure all promotional content complies with legal and ethical requirements, particularly when dealing with vulnerable patients.

A spokesperson for the GPhC stated,

“Pharmacy professionals have a duty to uphold public trust. Misleading advertising not only breaches regulations—it undermines the integrity of the profession and may lead to fitness to practise investigations.”

The GPhC continues to monitor online platforms and will take enforcement action where necessary. The regulator also urged pharmacy owners to review their digital marketing practices and ensure that all staff are trained in responsible advertising standards.

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