In this blog I want to highlight some critical updates from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) that every pharmacy professional—whether you’re a pharmacist, technician, or pharmacy owner—should be aware of. These issues have prompted serious regulatory concerns and demand thoughtful consideration and action where appropriate.
Let’s dive into the key areas where risks have been identified and what we, as pharmacy professionals, need to keep front of mind.
Working with Online Prescribers Based Outside the UK
The GPhC has recently taken statutory enforcement action against several registered pharmacies that have dispensed medicines prescribed by individuals operating through unregulated, non-UK online prescribing platforms.
This is a major red flag. Pharmacies must conduct appropriate due diligence and risk assessments before engaging with any prescriber or online provider. If these platforms are skirting UK regulatory frameworks—or are based overseas without appropriate UK registration—it significantly increases the risk to patient safety.
Takeaway: As pharmacy owners or superintendent pharmacists, do not partner with online providers that avoid UK regulation. Always check that any prescriber you work with is appropriately registered and the services provided are safe and compliant.
Read the GPhC FAQ on online pharmacy services for a deeper dive into this issue: FAQ on providing pharmacy services online
Unlicensed, Unregulated Cosmetic Products: A Dangerous Trend
There’s growing concern about pharmacies supplying or administering non-medicinal and unregulated products, such as Lemon Bottle—a product used in cosmetic procedures and often administered via injection.
These products are not regulated by the MHRA, meaning they may not meet essential safety or manufacturing standards. Alarmingly, some of these products are being linked to serious harm, and there is often a lack of disclosure around their full ingredient list and safety data.
Pharmacy owners and superintendents:
· Conduct strict due diligence if you’re considering stocking or selling these products.
· Ensure your indemnity insurance covers any associated activity.
· Never make medicinal claims in promotional materials or packaging unless appropriately licensed.
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians: If you’re administering these products (particularly via injection), you must:
· Have proper training and indemnity cover
· Be cautious about unsubstantiated claims
· Always work within GPhC professional standards
Complementary & Alternative Therapies: Proceed with Caution
Some community pharmacies have begun offering complementary or alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or cupping. While this can be a valuable addition to holistic care, these services carry their own risks.
Considerations for pharmacy professionals:
· Ensure you have the right training, knowledge, and skills
· Confirm that your environment is suitable for offering such services
· Have proper indemnity cover
· Clearly communicate any limitations and risks to patients
· Avoid unsubstantiated claims about effectiveness or outcomes
As always, patient safety must be the top priority. These services should complement—not replace—evidence-based medicine, and it’s vital that we maintain transparency and professionalism at all times.
Final Thoughts
These updates from the GPhC serve as a critical reminder that we must stay vigilant, compliant, and ethical in all aspects of our pharmacy practice. Whether you’re dispensing medication, partnering with prescribers, or exploring new service offerings—always ensure your actions reflect the highest standards of care and safety.
We must continue to uphold public trust in our profession by staying informed, reflective, and proactive.
Our team of Consultants at PCL include several UK Registered Pharmacists who collectively have decades of shared experience working with Pharmacies, as well as with the Medicines Supply Chain, to support the compliant supply and dispensing of medicines and services.
Our consultants are also experts at Risk Assessments and it is becoming increasingly clear that the GPhC are working ever closer with the MHRA to ensure Risks are identified and minimised within Pharmacy Practice.
If you need help with performing robust and comprehensive risk assessments to ensure you are compliant with the emerging guidance, or if you have any questions or want to discuss best practices further, feel free to contact us.
We can also review your online advertising to ensure that you are working within the MHRA’s Blue Guide standards for medicines advertising.