MHRA Launches New Tools To Curb Illegal Online Medicine Sales

The MHRA has introduced two public-facing services aimed at shutting down unlawful online sellers. A new Medicines Website Checker lets people search a live “Not Recommended” list of sites linked to illegal sales, while a companion e-reporting form enables anyone to flag suspicious websites or social media sellers directly to the regulator. Both tools sit alongside the agency’s FakeMeds campaign and can be used anonymously.

The checker targets pages that sell prescription-only medicines without a valid prescription or offer unauthorised products, and it surfaces enforcement guidance in plain terms before a person buys. MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit says the rollout is phased, with a limited public beta to gather feedback before wider promotion.

The move follows a summer crackdown in which the MHRA, working through Interpol’s Operation Pangea, seized about 7.7 million doses of illegal medicines and removed hundreds of online listings. The agency is also expanding use of data-led screening with partners to spot illicit traders faster.

Legitimate online pharmacies and marketplaces should expect closer scrutiny of prescription pathways, identity checks and product provenance. Recent rule-tightening for remote supply of weight-loss injections underscores the direction of travel across UK oversight.