EOF PRESS RELEASE
Public warned of sharp increase in sales of illegal drugs in the EU
Illegal drugs promoted as GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss and diabetes pose a serious health risk
Following a warning issued by the EMA and the heads of the European medicines authorities regarding the sharp increase in illegal medicines of the GLP-1 agonist class in the EU for weight loss and diabetes (such as semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide), the EOF informs the Greek public as follows:
Illegal drugs they are often sold through malicious websites and promoted on social media, while they are NOT approved and do NOT meet the necessary standards of quality, safety and effectiveness.
Hundreds of fake Facebook profiles, as well as advertisements and e-commerce listings on malicious websites have been detected, many of which are hosted outside the EU. In order to mislead consumers, malicious sources make illegal use of official logos and refer to false endorsements and recommendations of either entities or individuals.
The EOF, like other national authorities, actively monitors illegal suppliers, both nationally and in the context of cross-border collaborations and informs the public about the trafficking of illegal medicines (indicatively hereFurther action includes measures such as product withdrawal and website blocking when possible.
As the EOF has repeatedly stated, illegal medicines pose a serious risk to public health, as they may not contain the declared active substance at all or may even contain other harmful substances hidden in their composition. Therefore, users of these medicines run a very high risk of treatment failure, unexpected and serious health problems and dangerous interactions with other medicines.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription drugs for serious conditions such as diabetes and obesity and should be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Therefore, patients who believe they could benefit from treatment with these drugs should consult their doctor and purchase the drugs only with a prescription and only from physical pharmacies.
The Hellenic Medicines Authority (EOF) has issued detailed information regarding this category of medicines (to see the announcement click here). here).
- Obtaining medicines from legal suppliers in Greece
In Greece, the online sale of medicines is not allowed.
Although in some countries conditions have been established for the safe sale of medicines remotely by certified electronic pharmacies, in Greece this does not apply and the sale of medicines online (remotely) is prohibited.
Physical pharmacy stores remain the only reliable source of medicine supply.
Any procurement of medicine from an unreliable source (such as the internet) has emerged as one of the most serious risks to the user's health.
- Warning signs that a drug may be illegal
A product is likely illegal if:
• is advertised as “approved” by a national authority or bears official national authority or EMA logos;
• sold through websites or social media;
• claims to be superior to approved treatments without scientific evidence;
• not available through licensed pharmacies
- Important information for patients and their families
• Illegal medicines are being promoted online across the EU via malicious websites and social media, often using false claims and citing false approvals.
• They may not contain the declared active substance at all and may contain other harmful substances.
• Illegal drugs pose serious health risks, including treatment failure, unexpected and serious side effects, and dangerous interactions with other drugs.
• EOF and EMA do not endorse or promote specific medicines or brands. Any claim to the contrary is false and intended to deceive the public.
• In Greece, the online sale of medicines (distance selling) is not allowed.
• In Greece, the supply of prescription drugs is only done from physical stores of legally operating pharmacies with a medical prescription.
• EOF calls on the public to be particularly cautious about the online promotion and sale of medicines and to immediately report any suspicious websites, advertisements or products to EOF (contact email: kataggelies@eof.gr).
• This assistance is valuable in combating illegal products and trafficking networks and safeguarding public health.
FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
