HPRA Seizes Over 763,000 Illegal Medicines in 2025, GLP-1 Products a Major Concern
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) in Ireland detained a total of 763,027 dosage units of illegal medicines in 2025, according to figures released by the authority. This represents a significant increase in the seizure of counterfeit and unauthorized pharmaceuticals, posing serious risks to public health.
Rise in Illegally Purchased Medicines
A concerning trend highlighted by the HPRA is the threefold (180%) increase in individual consignments linked to purchases of illegal or falsified medicines by members of the public, rising to almost 14,000 individual packages. This indicates a growing number of individuals are attempting to source prescription medications outside of the regulated pharmacy system.
GLP-1 Products Under Scrutiny
A substantial portion of the detained products were presented as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, commonly used for diabetes and weight management. Detentions of these products surged dramatically, from 1,582 in 2024 to 48,752 in 2025. Common GLP-1 brands include Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Saxenda.
HPRA testing revealed that some detained GLP-1 products, particularly transdermal patches, did not contain the stated active ingredient, semaglutide. Other samples were found to contain powder or clear liquid, raising concerns about their composition, and safety. The majority of detained GLP-1 products were presented as drops (27,329 items) or microneedle patches (17,170 items).
Other Illegally Detained Medications
Beyond GLP-1s, the HPRA also seized significant quantities of other illegal medications. In 2025, the most frequently detained categories included:
- Sedatives: 205,270 units
- Erectile dysfunction medicines: 103,185 units
- Anabolic steroids: 94,647 units
- Diabetes/Slimming medications: 65,148 units
- Analgesics: 40,669 units
Detentions of Pregabalin, a medication experiencing increasing non-medical apply, also rose sharply, from 23,442 units in 2024 to 59,905 in 2025, marking the fifth consecutive year of increases.
HPRA Warnings and Enforcement
The HPRA strongly warns the public against sourcing prescription medicines online or through unauthorized channels, emphasizing the serious health risks involved. “Sourcing prescription medicines outside of a registered pharmacy and without appropriate medical supervision poses a significant risk to your health,” stated Jennifer McCartan, HPRA Compliance Manager.
The authority highlights that products obtained through unregulated sources may be counterfeit, mislabeled, or contain harmful or ineffective ingredients, potentially leading to serious adverse effects.
The HPRA is prepared to initiate prosecution cases in instances where public health is significantly at risk or where there is persistent non-compliance. The authority also collaborates with regulatory and law enforcement agencies across Europe and globally to combat the illegal manufacture, importation, and distribution of medicines, medical devices, and cosmetics.
The HPRA regulates a wide range of health products, including human and veterinary medicines, medical devices, blood and blood components, tissues and cells, organs for transplantation, and cosmetics, all for the benefit of people and animals.
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