EMA/HMA Warn: Surge in Illegal GLP-1 Medicines 2026

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) have issued a joint warning: the number of illegal medicines marketed as GLP-1 receptor agonists - including semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide - for weight loss and diabetes has surged across the EU. Simultaneously, the UK's MHRA published a Drug Safety Update (DSU) on January 29, 2026, strengthening safety warnings on severe pancreatitis for all GLP-1 products.

What exactly happened?

The EMA/HMA warning from early 2026 makes clear: illegal GLP-1 products are increasingly advertised via fraudulent websites and social media. They are not authorized, may not contain the stated active ingredient at all, and can contain other substances in harmful amounts. Authorities emphasize that these products do not meet necessary quality, safety, and efficacy standards and pose serious health risks.

Concurrently, the UK MHRA published a Drug Safety Update on January 29, 2026, updating product information for all GLP-1 receptor agonists - including semaglutide, tirzepatide, dulaglutide, and liraglutide. The update addresses rare but severe cases of necrotizing and fatal pancreatitis. The agency urges healthcare professionals to discontinue therapy immediately if symptoms arise and not to restart treatment if pancreatitis is confirmed.

What are the specific risks?

• Falsified products without active ingredients: Illegal GLP-1 products may contain no active substance or dangerous contaminants.
• Lack of sterility: Since GLP-1 products are injectable, non-sterile preparations carry a high risk of severe infections, including sepsis.
• Pancreatitis risk: The MHRA reports rare cases of necrotizing and fatal pancreatitis - also in patients using GLP-1 products without medical supervision.
• No quality control: Unlike authorized medicines, illegal products undergo no regulatory scrutiny.

Already in December 2025, the FDA warned of counterfeit Ozempic in the U.S. supply chain - read more in our existing Scam Alert article. The semaglutide overview page also provides background on clinical evidence.

What does this mean for consumers?

The EMA emphasizes: GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription-only medicines for serious conditions such as diabetes and obesity. They should only be obtained under medical supervision through legitimate sources (pharmacies). Online sale of prescription medicines is not permitted in all EU member states. A common EU logo on pharmacy websites helps identify legitimate online retailers.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for questions regarding GLP-1 medications.