Major fat jab crackdown on illegal sales of retatrutide dubbed ‘Triple G’ and ‘Godzilla’ of jabs
MEDICAL bosses are cracking down on illegal sales of what crooks claim to be the experimental weight loss drug, retatrutide.
The injection is still in clinical trials but online dealers and social media profiles are flogging drugs they claim to be the real deal.
Sign up for the newsletter
Thank you!
Organised crime gangs are increasingly selling illicit medicines online as well as, or instead of, classic street drugs like cocaineCredit: Getty
Growing numbers of Brits are trying to get their hands on counterfeits of the jab as trials suggest it could be the best one yet.
Inventors Eli Lilly say they are going after companies and individuals running the rackets.
The firm warned legit supplies are not available anywhere in the world and the UK’s medical regulator said people buying it online are risking their lives.
A Channel 4 investigation was able to buy something claimed to be retatrutide online.
BOOZE BUSTER
Fat jabs ‘STOP you feeling drunk’ and could reduce horror hangovers
GOAL!
Are you a taperer, microdoser or maintainer? The do’s & DON’TS of coming off fat jabs
NHS GP Dr Nancy Allen checked the package and said: “I have never seen it in my life.”
Pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly said: “Any product falsely representing itself as a Lilly investigational product may expose patients to potentially serious health risks.
“We work closely with regulatory bodies and law enforcement to identify and remove fraudulent or unsafe content online and on social media.”
Social media platforms TikTok, Facebook and Instagram said they are also taking action against crooked dealers.
The warnings come after it was revealed that fake supplies of retatrutide, also known as “reta”, “Triple G” or “Godzilla” are flooding the UK black market.
Experts said it is not safe to buy the chemical from anywhere as it has not yet been tested.
Scientists expect to get results from their clinical trials next year and to apply for medical approval afterwards.
Organised crime gangs are increasingly selling illicit medicines online as well as, or instead of, classic street drugs like cocaine.
Buying the medications without a proper prescription or help from a medic increases the risk of side effects or serious health complications.
Weight loss injections are given in doses based on a patient’s size and medical condition and taking too strong a dose can be dangerous.
Andy Morling, from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said: “Buying any medicine from illegal online suppliers significantly increases the risk of receiving falsified or unlicensed products.
“We work closely with law enforcement and online platforms to remove illegal medicines from sale, block harmful websites and prosecute those who put people at risk.”
As part of its wider investigation, Channel 4 News spoke to former Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace who shared her frightening experience after purchasing a copy of another weight loss drug on TikTok.
OMAZE-ING
I went from council flat to winning £4m house… But this is why I’m selling up
BOTTOMS UP
Wetherspoons reveals opening dates of 5 new pubs starting next week
She said: “There were bags of vomit just linked up by my bed. I couldn’t make it to the toilet. It was the worst time of my life physically. My vision had gone in one eye. I thought, I’m either going to die or go blind. It was just torture. It was the most stupid thing that I’ve probably ever done.”
‘Inside the black market for illegal weight loss jabs’ airs tonight on Channel 4 News.
How to spot fake weight loss injections
Without testing injections in a laboratory, it can be difficult to spot a fake. However, there are a few things to look out for:
- Is the packaging of a high quality?
- Is the box damaged or flimsy?
- Can you read the information on the box or is the text badly printed?
- Does the box include the brand name, not just the active ingredient?
- Is there a serial number or batch code you can check with the manufacturer?
- Is the liquid in the pen clear and colourless?
- Is the pen broken? Does it have rough edges or loose parts?
If you’re in any doubt, don’t use or buy the medication – especially if you’re not sure where it’s come from.
Source: Lloyds Pharmacy
No Byline Policy
Editorial Guidelines
Corrections Policy
Source