Safety first

Who should not take weight-loss injections?

Medically reviewed by Muhammad Adnan, GPhC-registered Superintendent Pharmacist · Last updated June 2026

Weight-loss injections are safe and effective for many people — but not for everyone. Some people must not take them at all, and others can only take them with extra care and close supervision. This is exactly why we assess you in person and review your full medical history before supplying any treatment.

You should not take them if you have…

A personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
A known allergy or hypersensitivity to the medicine or any of its ingredients.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant.
Being under 18 — these medicines aren't licensed for general weight loss in children.

Tell your pharmacist if you have…

These don't always rule treatment out, but they mean we'll take extra care and may need more checks before deciding what's safe for you:

A history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones.
Kidney problems, or anything that puts you at risk of dehydration.
Type 1 diabetes, or a risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Severe digestive conditions, such as gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying) or severe IBD.
A history of an eating disorder.
Diabetic eye disease (retinopathy).
Other medicines you take — some can interact, so always share your full medicines list.

Why we always assess you first

A short online questionnaire can't catch everything. A face-to-face assessment lets us check your history, your other medicines and your goals properly — so treatment is only ever supplied when it's genuinely safe and appropriate for you. If it isn't, we'll tell you and talk through the alternatives.

Not sure whether something applies to you? See whether treatment is right for you, or just ask us.

Not sure if it's right for you?

Have an honest, no-pressure chat with a GPhC-registered pharmacist in Timperley.

Sources

This page is for general information and isn't a substitute for personal medical advice. Your pharmacist will assess what's right for you at a face-to-face consultation.