Aesthetic clinic sent unsolicited GLP-1 weight-loss jabs amid black market fears

A UK-based aesthetic clinic reportedly received a package containing unsolicited GLP-1 medication despite never requesting the items, according to the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM).

The incident comes amid a rise in the sale of unauthorised and unregulated weight-loss injections on the black market and through online platforms.

In a social media post, BCAM said it had recently received reports of a clinic being sent GLP-1 medication and peptides despite having no prior contact with the seller.

The organisation said: “We have been made aware of clinics receiving unsolicited GLP-1 medications and peptides despite not ordering them and without holding prescriptions for these products.

“One clinic reported receiving a package containing injectable products with no cooling packs, no prior contact with the sender, and no request having been made for the items.”

According to BCAM, the package also included promotional material encouraging recipients to become distributors, despite uncertainty surrounding the origin of the products and the identity of the sender.

A spokesperson for BCAM added: “If you are a clinic owner or practitioner and have experienced anything similar, please let us know.

“It is important that the sector remains vigilant and continues sharing information regarding unsolicited deliveries of prescription-only medications and peptides.

“Please remain cautious and report any similar incidents.”

There have been numerous reports across the UK and Ireland of people experiencing adverse side effects after taking black market weight-loss drugs. In some cases, the complications have reportedly resulted in life-changing injuries or fatalities.

A recent report by BBC said a woman with type 1 diabetes may have suffered permanent liver damage after taking black market GLP-1 medication obtained through a “friend of a friend”.