Public warned not to take unapproved weight-loss drug

A top obesity expert has warned hospitals are experiencing an increase in patients experiencing side effects from the weight-loss drug Retatrutide. Retatrutide, or 'reta', is an injectable peptide currently in clinical trials by Eli Lilly, but not yet approved for use anywhere in the world or for sale in Ireland. Despite this, the drug is being bought and sold online and on social media, gaining popularity among fitness enthusiasts seeking quick results.

Professor Donal O Shea, speaking to RTÉ News, noted that some gyms are providing Retatrutide to clients under the guidance of personal trainers, without discussing potential side effects. One case involved a patient receiving the drug twice a week, who later ended up in the hospital with vomiting and kidney disease. The most common side effects of Retatrutide include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation, as well as impacts on the liver, pancreas, and kidneys.

Some patients may not disclose their use of the drug due to embarrassment, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Online fitness coach Shauna Louise Cleary, who used Retatrutide for weight loss prior to a photoshoot, experienced severe side effects including sickness within half an hour of injection and was unable to stand. After increasing her dosage, she stopped using the drug.

Eli Lilly has called on social media platforms to stop the illegal market of Retatrutide, with Meta claiming they have banned all advertisements and promotion of the drug. TikTok has also restricted trading, marketing, or providing access to regulated substances, including weight loss drugs like Retatrutide. However, RTÉ News has observed several social media accounts evading these restrictions while the Health Products Regulatory Authority reports a continuous rise in the number of pages selling such drugs illegally.