GPhC proposes new guidance for online pharmacies to improve patient safety

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is inviting feedback on proposed changes to its guidance for online pharmacies, aimed at enhancing patient safety.

These changes are designed to tackle concerns associated with receiving medicines from online pharmacies, particularly those that may not be clinically
appropriate and could potentially harm patients.

GPhC has identified concerns relating to inappropriate supplies of weight loss medications that could pose risk to patients’ health.

Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive of the GPhC, underscored the importance of addressing risks in online pharmacy services.

“We know that there can be significant benefits for people using online pharmacy services to get medicines and treatment, but there are also additional risks
that need to be managed, to make sure medicines and other pharmacy services are provided safely to patients and the public.