The Daily Star Ireland
RTÉ Investigates: Black Market Weight Loss airs tonight on RTÉ One at 9:35 pm, revealing alarming findings about the illegal sale of an unapproved weight loss drug in Ireland.
Medical professionals are sounding the alarm about serious health risks after RTÉ Investigates uncovered the sale of Retatrutide, an experimental weight loss drug, on the black market. Retatrutide, still in clinical trials in the US and not approved for use anywhere, was found being sold by a woman in Tuam, Co Galway, who is not a licensed doctor.
The woman marketed Retatrutide as “the most powerful weight loss treatment” and was recorded offering the drug, complete with hypodermic needles, at her home. Independent analysis confirmed the substance as Retatrutide. Eli Lilly, the drug’s manufacturer, emphasized that Retatrutide has not been approved by any regulatory agency globally, warning that unapproved versions pose serious health risks.
Professor Donal O’Shea, an endocrinologist and HSE National Clinical Lead for Obesity, expressed shock at the findings, noting the severe consequences of administering unapproved medication.
The investigation also delved into the illegal sale of so-called ‘skinny pens,’ or GLP1s, which mimic the hormone that regulates appetite. Legally, only Saxenda and Ozempic are available in Ireland for diabetes and obesity, prescribed by registered practitioners and dispensed through pharmacies. Yet, RTÉ Investigates found non-medical individuals selling these pens and other weight loss products directly to the public, often advertised on social media.
One seller in Dublin, for example, was discovered to be importing weight loss pens from Turkey and selling them online. Pharmacist Kathy Maher highlighted the risks associated with improper transportation and handling of such medications, stressing the need for medical supervision.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has repeatedly warned against using GLP1s obtained outside of legitimate channels. They noted the rise in illegal trade due to high demand and limited supply, resulting in the seizure of nearly 1,500 GLP1 products this year, a significant increase from 2023. Additionally, hundreds of web addresses promoting these products have been taken down.
From January 2022 to November 2024, the HPRA reported 385 cases of suspected side effects from GLP1 medications, with 28 requiring hospital visits. It remains unclear how many of these cases involved black market products.
