Brussels – The Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP) has issued a warning to Belgians regarding the illegal sale of GLP-1 analogues online, highlighting significant health risks. Prescription limits for these medications remain in effect until November 2025, with officials stressing that usage should be strictly through licensed doctors and pharmacies, reports 24brussels.
The FAMHP’s alert comes as these products are marketed on social media as comparable to prescription medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, designed for weight loss. The agency emphasizes that these analogues are available without medical oversight and thus escape regulatory scrutiny, potentially endangering consumer health.
Consumers who procure these products online face risks due to a lack of quality control and traceability. The FAMHP points out that customers cannot be certain of their manufacturing processes, ingredient compositions, or optimal dosages.
Health Risks of Illegal GLP-1 Sales on Social Media
Authorities recommend that individuals only consume medications prescribed by healthcare professionals and legally dispensed. The FAMHP encourages the public to report any suspicious online sales to combat the distribution of unsafe medicines.
Some illicit advertisements have fraudulently utilized FAMHP’s logo, along with those of other governmental bodies like the FPS Public Health and INAMI, misleading consumers into believing these products are officially sanctioned and safe.
“Do not make any payment and report the fraudulent content via the official consumer reporting centre,”
the FAMHP advises.
The Federal Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (FAGG) is working diligently to eliminate such misleading online content to safeguard public health from compromised medicines.
Since its establishment in 2007, the FAMHP has overseen the safety and efficacy of health products in Belgium, operating under the Federal Public Service Health. The agency inspects pharmaceutical companies, monitors manufacturing quality, and tracks adverse effects.
To address the increasing demand and limited supply of GLP-1 medications, the FAMHP implemented prescription limits in November 2023, which will remain in force until November 2025, ensuring that those in genuine need can access these critical medications.
