What’s behind surge in fake weight-loss drugs and bogus steroids

The scale of the fake medicines in Ireland has been made worryingly clear with the latest figures from the State’s drugs watchdog.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) seized more than 750,000 units of illegal and fake medicines over the course of 2025.

As has been in the case in previous years, anabolic steroids top the list of fake imported drugs, with erectile dysfunction medication next.

But what has alarmed the watchdog is the 180 per cent rise in individual consignments year on year – people going online and ordering these bogus products – with a “significant proportion” being presented as GLP-1 products, also known as weight-loss drugs.

So why do people seek out these particular medicines online; are they aware they may be fake despite their apparently authentic packaging and appearance; and is there an understanding of the health risks involved?

Irish Times health correspondent Shauna Bowers explains the ever-increasing rise in fake medicines reaching Ireland.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey.

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