Illegal semaglutide sales surge as demand skyrockets
Semaglutide, a drug used in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, maybe a significant breakthrough for individuals struggling with overweight and obesity. Celebrities' spectacular transformations have caused the demand for this drug to explode. Unfortunately, this has also led to the growth of an illegal black market. BBC journalists discovered how easy it is to buy dangerous products.
Semaglutide is an active substance used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. It is available as injections and oral tablets. It works by lowering blood glucose levels and supporting weight loss by affecting the feeling of fullness and delaying gastric emptying.
Semaglutide is intended for adult patients with type 2 diabetes, for whom diet and physical activity are not sufficient to control glucose levels. It can be used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic drugs.
In recent years, semaglutide has also been approved as a weight loss aid. Unfortunately, its growing popularity has also led to the rise of an illegal black market.
She bought a weight loss drug from a "friend"
BBC journalists spoke with several people who bought semaglutide. One of them is Vicky Boyd from Newcastle. She was not satisfied with her body. When the scale showed 82 kilograms, she decided to look for a quick solution to lose weight.
She decided to purchase semaglutide from a friend. Unfortunately, she started feeling unwell after the first dose. She experienced vomiting, side and back pain, and her body seemed completely exhausted.
A frightened Vicky ended up in the hospital, where it was determined that her body was "saturated with toxins." To make matters worse, her heart rate was over 200 beats per minute, and her kidneys were damaged. Today, despite treatment, Vicky says: - I am no longer the same. It has completely destroyed me.
People think it's a quick fix, but believe me, it is not - concludes Vicky.
Another woman from Sunderland, who preferred to remain anonymous, also purchased semaglutide from a friend. The first unwanted symptoms in her case appeared just three hours after taking the "drug." She started feeling nauseous and could not keep water down. She ended up in the ER with a very high heart rate.
After everything, the substance the woman took was tested at the University of Sunderland. Dr. Stephen Childs determined that it did not contain any semaglutide, but a small amount of insulin and other "unknown compounds."
$120 for a four-week treatment
Another woman from Newcastle bought semaglutide at a beauty salon. Shortly after, she ended up in the hospital with symptoms of numbness, very high heart rate, and vomiting. The BBC managed to purchase semaglutide from the same salon, where sales were organized through Facebook.
The kit, which contained needles, liquid, syringes, and semaglutide in the form of a white powder, cost $120 for a four-week treatment.
Lack of awareness and education
Dr. Paul Evans, a doctor from Gateshead, points out that Wegovy, a drug containing semaglutide, is available by prescription in the public health system in the UK, but not in northeastern England and North Cumbria.
Every time it appears in the news, we see an increase in the number of patients asking about it, but we have to refuse due to the lack of services in our region and supply issues - said Dr. Paul Evans in an interview with the BBC.
Professor Oksana Pyzik from the UCL School of Pharmacy emphasizes that a lack of awareness regarding semaglutide leads to downplaying the dangers of buying it illegally.
People may collapse, experience seizures, and without proper medical help, face organ failure and permanent damage. The law needs to be updated, and social media must be held accountable - appeals Professor Oksana Pyzik.
A spokesperson for Meta, the technology company that owns Facebook, stated that "they do not allow the sale of prescription drugs on Facebook and remove violating content." The truth is, however, that similar content still appears on Facebook and other social media platforms.
The Health Department emphasizes that the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) is constantly working to identify illegal traders and take appropriate action in this regard.
"Next person may not be so lucky"
Peter, Vicky Boyd's husband, warns others against buying semaglutide on the street or online. His Facebook post, in which he described his wife's experiences, was shared over 13,000 times, prompting others to share their stories.
Vicky was lucky. The next person may not be so lucky - emphasizes Peter.
