The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the UK's regulator of medicines and medical devices, has introduced two new online services to combat the illegal sale of medicines, as concerns around counterfeit products grow in the aesthetic sector.
The service comes after the news of rising reports of botulism caused by unlicensed 'Botox-like' or fake products.
The ‘Not Recommended List’
The ‘Not Recommended List’ provides a simple way to directly check whether a website has been deemed unsafe by the MHRA. The list is regularly updated to allow individuals to check whether services are scams or known to sell medicines illegally.
The Reporting Tool
‘The Reporting Tool’ allows anyone to report a website or online seller that they think is offering medicines or medical devices illegally.
The service on the UK Government website functions as a questionnaire to report any suspicions and evidence, to create a report.
The tool allows individuals to report:
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Information about why you want to report it
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Information about the online seller, such as the social media name or website address
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Photographs of the product, including its packaging
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A screenshot of the website or online seller
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The seller's name or telephone number
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Emails, sales receipts, or messages from the seller
By providing clear guidance on red flags to watch out for and directing users to trusted, verified sources of information, these tools are designed to empower people who are considering purchasing medicines online.
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