A record number of illegal fat jabs, erectile dysfunction pills and fake drugs were seized last year by UK officials.
Almost 20 million doses of unlicensed counterfeit medication were confiscated by government agencies in 2025, in what is thought to be the biggest seizure to date.
Officers from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said the street value of the products was worth more than £45 million.
Unlicensed sedatives and sleeping pills were the most common item seized, at 9.9 million doses.
Over 4.4 million doses of unlicensed erectile dysfunction drugs, 4.1 million powerful painkillers and 5,700 fake fat jabs were also captured by the MHRA.
The once-a-week slimming jabs have been dubbed ‘miracle’ injections.
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But huge global demand has seen counterfeit versions flood the market in recent years.
Experts have repeatedly warned Britons against buying the jabs on social media and to be aware of scam retailers, over fears they may be selling contaminated versions of the jabs.
Doctors have also told how patients have suffered seizures and been left in life-threatening comas after taking fake versions.
The biggest risk of buying medicines online is that it is impossible to know what’s in them, MHRA officials said.
Medication sold in shops and pharmacies go through strict quality control to make sure they are safe and effective.
In some cases buying from an unregulated website can be as bad as using a street drug dealer, experts have warned.
Andy Morling, MHRA Deputy Director, Enforcement, said: “This year, working closely with our law enforcement partners, we have removed more illegally traded medicines from circulation than ever before – nearly 20 million doses in total, up from 17 million in 2024.
“Each and every one of those products was potentially dangerous to the public.
“Criminals see this trade as easy money, but our relentless efforts are making it increasingly difficult for them to operate.
“Our focus last year, as always, has been firmly on stopping these dangerous products reaching the public in the first place.”
He added: “I would urge everyone to think very carefully before buying powerful medicines online.
“If something looks or feels wrong, it probably is.
“Products sold illegally online may contain harmful substances or the incorrect dosage, and either of these could seriously damage your health.
“Always use a registered pharmacy – your safety is not worth the risk.”
The MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU) also said it had “disrupted” more than 1,500 websites and social media accounts illegally selling medical products and removed over 1,200 social media posts in 2025.
Reports of fake slimming jabs in the UK first emerged in August 2023.
Experts have repeatedly said many won’t even contain semaglutide or tirzepatide and are often just insulin pens which have been repackaged to look like the real thing, fooling customers.
When patients inject themselves, this insulin surge causes a rapid drop in blood sugar — which can potentially be fatal.
In October, the MHRA revealed it had seized thousands of unlicensed fat jabs in what was thought to be the biggest seizure of fake weight-loss drugs conducted worldwide.
Officers from the medicine watchdog’s criminal enforcement unit and Northamptonshire Police stormed a production plant on the outskirts of Northampton during a two-day operation.
They uncovered more than 2,000 unlicensed tirzepatide injections – known by the brand name Mounjaro – and retatrutide pens, which is yet to be licensed anywhere in the world.
The MHRA has urged any patients who experience an adverse reaction to a medication to report them via the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.
The scheme, set up in the 1960s, allows doctors, pharmacists and patients themselves to report adverse reactions believed to be caused by prescription and over-the-counter drugs, implants and alternative medicines.
This can lead to them being reviewed, having warnings added to the label or even being taken off the market.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOUR MEDICINE IS FAKE
TO spot counterfeit medication, be vigilant about packaging, especially the label and any security features, and compare it to your usual medication.
Look for inconsistencies like poor quality printing, spelling errors, or missing information.
Also, be wary of suspiciously low prices or offers of prescription-only medication without a prescription.
Here’s what you can do…
PACKAGING
Compare packaging
If you’ve used the same medication before, compare the packaging to the new one. Look for any differences in colour, font, or printing quality.
Check for security features
Some medications have security features like holograms or color-shifting inks. See if these are present and appear genuine.
Inspect for damage
Check for any signs of tampering, such as broken seals, torn packaging, or damage to the container.
Looking for missing information
Ensure the packaging includes the patient information leaflet, the “UK Only” label, and that the active ingredient(s) are listed.
MEDICATION
Taste, smell, and appearance
Be suspicious if the medication has a strange taste, odour, or a colour that is different from what you’re used to.
Texture and consistency
Counterfeit tablets may be crumbly or easily break apart.
Compare to previous medication
If you’re familiar with the medication, compare its size, shape, colour, and texture to your usual medication.
OTHER RED FLAGS
Suspiciously low prices
Be cautious of medicines that are significantly cheaper than usual.
Offers without a prescription
Avoid buying prescription-only medication from sources that don’t require a valid prescription.
Unfamiliar or untrustworthy sources
Be wary of buying medication online from websites that are not registered pharmacies or from sellers who are not legitimate.
IF YOU SUSPECT COUNTERFEIT MEDICINE
Report it
Report any concerns to the relevant authorities, such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). You can contact the MHRA’s counterfeit hotline or report it online, according to the NHS.
Don’t use it
If you have any doubts, do not take the medication and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
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