Weight loss supplements and drugs that are often advertised on the Internet can be dangerous. Their side effects include an increase in blood pressure, insomnia or digestive problems. The State Institute for Drug Control (ŠÚKL) draws attention to this in a brochure on the risks associated with reckless use of drugs and dangerous online trends.
“It may happen that fraudsters sell substances on the Internet that do not work at all and make money from lies. Weight loss drugs are intended for patients who are prescribed by a doctor,” pointed out ŠÚKL. He added that if they are used by a healthy person who does not have a given disease (such as diabetes or obesity), it can have bad consequences.
Among the consequences of such use, experts include nervousness, blurred vision, restlessness, problems with concentration or headaches. SÚKL at the same time appeals to young people to always consult their parents, doctor or pharmacist before taking medicines.
ŠÚKL also advises to beware of offers of drugs with “miraculous effects” or suspiciously cheap drugs. “Don’t be influenced, remember that influencers make money from advertisements for various nutritional supplements,” experts emphasize. They specify that prescription drugs can only be prescribed by a doctor and cannot be sold over the Internet.
The institute added that prescription drugs are dispensed by a pharmacist in a brick-and-mortar pharmacy, a hospital or polyclinic, or an approved online pharmacy. “All pharmacies are controlled by ŠÚKL, approved internet pharmacies must have this logo on their website,” he added.
