Experts have revealed in painful detail the extensive risks – from agonising stomach cramps and relentless diarrhoea to severe dehydration, blood poisoning, organ failure and even death.
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She warned that people shouldn’t buy unregulated products (Stock Image) (Image: SrdjanPav via Getty Images)
Skincare is so accessible these days, with many influencers recommending active ingredients that have never been available on the market before. However, this comes with issues, as many people can obtain high-potency products without having their skin assessed by a professional.
This is concerning for those within the healthcare sector, as this category of skincare ought to be prescribed exclusively for specific conditions with instructions on how to use it.
Pharmacist Elina cautioned people against purchasing a particular type of medicated skincare from “unregulated websites” due to its strength. It’s tretinoin, a potent prescription retinoid that accelerates skin cell renewal, unclogs pores, and stimulates collagen synthesis, according to Healthline.
It is widely used to treat acne, reduce fine lines, and lighten dark patches. While you can purchase it online with a prescription, you should never do so without first seeking medical advice. This is because, when used incorrectly, it can compromise your skin barrier and cause serious irritation, redness, flaking, and stinging.
Elina’s advice
The specialist stated that, should you purchase tretinoin from unregulated websites, you “don’t know if the product is genuine, you don’t know if it’s been stored correctly, you don’t know if the strength is even accurate, and you don’t know if it’s actually appropriate for you”.
Elina further stated that you’re “putting your skin at risk” if you acquire products like this without being properly prescribed tretinoin, adding that she’s received countless messages from individuals who have “damaged their skin” while using it.
She explained that people frequently use the product “inappropriately” and purchase it from “random websites,” meaning they’re “not actually sure what’s even in it”.
“Tretinoin is a prescription-only medication, and it’s prescription-only for a reason, and it should be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional,” she urged.
How is tretinoin prescribed?
Elina stated that there are “so many things to take into consideration” when prescribing tretinoin, such as:
- Medical history
- What dose is suitable for you
- What formulation is suitable for you
- The rest of your skincare routine
- How to use it safely
“These are all things that you really need to know before starting,” she shared, encouraging people to have their skin properly assessed before assuming tretinoin is something they genuinely require.
Elina added: “It’s an amazing product – just needs to be purchased safely”.
What are the risks and potential side effects of tretinoin?
Skin can frequently feel dry, tight, or flaky during the initial few weeks, though if it has been prescribed, you will already have been forewarned about this.
Your skin may appear “sunburned” at first, with irritation and redness, as it adjusts to the product. Temporary breakouts may also arise as deep blockages rise to the surface.
Daily SPF is likewise non-negotiable, as skin becomes more susceptible to burning while using tretinoin.
If you have any concerns regarding your skin, you should always consult a medical professional rather than purchasing medication online and hoping for the best. A wealth of useful guidance can also be found on the NHS website.
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The stark new figures have fuelled concerns about growing reliance on the drugs and long waiting lists for alternative treatments.
During our hectic 21st century lifestyles, it can be tricky to make sure we are eating as healthily as possible. Some of us simply do not have enough time in the day to set aside and cook a proper, nutritious meal, and this can mean we turn to quick and easy foods which can have a detrimental affect on out health in the long-term. Negative concequences can include developing type 2 diabetes. Experts are keen to change this and make sure Brits are well equipped with sufficient gastronomical knowledge in order to make better choices.
It is said that everything is okay in moderation, but some foods, experts suggest, are best avoided. Diabetes UK says: “There is no food you can’t eat if you want to prevent type 2 diabetes or help you manage prediabetes. It is a question of choosing healthier foods more often.”
Here is a list of things specialists say it is best not to consume and why.
1. Sugary and sweetened drinks
Diabetes UK says: “Swap sugary drinks such as cola or lemonade for diet or no added sugar versions. Check the can or bottle’s nutrition label for added sugar. Even better, drink water – plain still or carbonated.
“Try tea or coffee without sugar, or try it with a low or no-calorie sweetener. If you have milk, choose semi-skimmed or skimmed which have the same vitamins, minerals, calcium and protein as full fat. If you prefer dairy-free alternatives like plant-based milks, such as oat or almond, check they are unsweetened.
“Try to avoid or limit fruit juices or smoothies to one small glass (150ml) a day as they contain the type of sugar we need to cut down on. Eat natural vegetables or fruit instead to get your 5-a-day.
“If Matcha, frappe or a bubble tea is your go-to takeaway drink, be aware these have lots of added sugar. Ordinary tea and Americano are healthier alternatives.”
(Image: Getty)
2. Refined white carbs
Experts say: “As a general guide, go for ‘brown’ rather than ‘white’ carbs.
“Brown rice, and wholemeal pasta, wholemeal bread and chapatis are healthier options than refined carbs – which are things like white bread white rice, white pasta and chapatis made with white flour which are best limited or avoided.
“We know refined carbs increase blood sugar levels more quickly compared to wholegrain carbs. To find out more, see our page on the glycaemic index. ”
(Image: Getty)
3. Red and processed meats
Diabetes UK says: “Limit or avoid red and processed meats like bacon, ham, salami, pepperoni, canned meat such as corned beef, as well as sausages, pork, beef and lamb.
“Find out more about the link between red and processed meats and risk of type 2 diabetes.”
Those in the know suggest eating pulses (such as kidney beans and chick peas), eggs, fish, chicken and turkey, unsalted nuts and tofu and tempeh to get your protein instead.
(Image: Getty)
Millions of Americans are now using Wegovy and Mounjaro to lose weight but, for many, the results can be underwhelming.
While some will lose up to a fifth of their body weight on the drugs, others see their weight loss plateau after a few months.
Now, experts say a supplement that costs around 10 cents called psyllium husk could be the answer, which they argue can supercharge weight-loss drugs.
Studies even show that patients not on the shots who take psyllium husk – which is rich in fiber – lose weight.
‘Psyllium husk, as one of the most well-researched supplements out there, is an incredibly effective way for users to do this,’ says John Lukey, a registered nutritionist from King’s College London.
‘It increases feelings of satiety [fullness], reducing the likelihood of overeating and helping regulate appetite. In combination with the jabs it can be quite a potent mix.’
So, what is psyllium husk – and how does it work?
First, it’s important to explain the function of weight-loss medications.
Psyllium husk has become popular thanks to influencers touting its ability to suppress appetite – but experts agree it could make all the difference for weight loss shot uses struggling to shift those last few pounds
These revolutionary medicines are known as GLP-1 injections.
The shots , which initially began as diabetes medicines like Ozempic, work by giving the body an artificial dose of the GLP-1 hormone – often described as the ‘satiety hormone’ – which is made in the gut and released after meals to tell the body it is full.
This sensation of fullness – or satiety – means patients eat less, sparking significant weight-loss.
However, experts say that, in order for the drugs to have the desired effect, they need to be combined with a sensible diet.
One of the most important factors in a healthy weight-loss diet is fiber.
Fiber is a form of carbohydrate found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains. Studies show that a high-fiber diet boosts weight-loss, and may lower the risk of heart disease and bowel cancer.
Yet, despite these various benefits, research shows that only a fraction of US adults eat the recommended 30 grams of fiber a day. For comparison, an apple contains four grams of fiber, while a cup of chickpeas contains six grams.
Experts say that psyllium husk is one of the easiest – and most effective – ways to get enough daily fiber.
Around 11 percent of adults in the US take GLP-1 drugs, up significantly from three percent in 2024, according to research from Gallup.
Taken as a pill or a powder mixed in water, psyllium husk is made from the outer shell of the seeds of the plantago ovata plant – a type of shrub found in deserts.
Experts say the main reason that psyllium husk is so effective at boosting weight-loss is that, combined with water, the supplement swells to form a thick gel.
This gel then sits in the stomach, reducing space for food and triggering the sensation of fullness, in a similar way to GLP-1 injections.
Studies show that, taken on its own, psyllium husk can lead to weight-loss.
One 2023 review, published in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, found that overweight and obese adults who took psyllium husk before meals lost nearly four-and-a-half pounds in under five months.
And a 2018 meta-analysis also found just 10 grams of psyllium husk a day significantly reduced ‘bad’ cholesterol – the fatty plaque that builds up in the blood vessels, eventually leading to heart attacks and strokes.
It’s for these reasons that experts say combining psyllium husk with GLP-1 jabs can help boost weight-loss when the jabs stop working.
‘The jabs are extremely effective at reducing appetite, but we shouldn’t be assuming that they are a silver bullet,’ says Mr Lukey.
‘Eating enough fiber is absolutely essential for those on the injections.
‘This is why psyllium husk can help users reach optimal levels for weight-loss.’
However, experts also say that psyllium husk needs to be used carefully. Research shows that psyllium husk must be taken alongside plenty of water – typically two glasses.
This is because the supplement expands in the gut and, without adequate water to clear it out of the system, can potentially lead to blockages.
Moreover, experts say that the weight-loss effects of psyllium husk are not instant, meaning that patients need to stick with the supplement.
‘The research shows that consistency matters,’ Dr Rubina Aktar, a neuroscientist at Queen Mary University of London, and co-founder of natural weight-loss drug Elcella.
‘Psyllium tends to be most effective when used over several weeks and alongside plenty of water so that you stay well hydrated.
‘This is especially relevant for those using weight-loss medications.’
Experts say it is also important that patients looking to eventually come off GLP-1 drugs should boost their natural fiber intake too.
Studies show that around two-thirds of people regain the weight they lose on the drugs within a year of stopping.
Experts also say that getting enough protein – a muscle-building nutrient found in meat, dairy, fish, pulses and some vegetables – is crucial for keeping the weight off. So too is regular strength training, such as using weights or resistance bands.
‘Increasing fiber intake while on the medications will serve you when you come off them,’ says Mr Lukey.
‘No one wants to be on these drugs for life – and managing appetite through dietary means will always be better for long-term health.
‘A daily psyllium husk supplement, alongside adequate protein and strength training, could ultimately make the difference between maintaining weight loss – or putting it all back on.’
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An anti-aging and wellness supplement is being recalled over fears it may be contaminated with toxins.
The FDA announced a recall of Optimal Balance Pharmacy’s compounded glutathione 200 mg/ml (30 ml) multi-dose vial because testing by the pharmacy revealed elevated bacterial endotoxin levels.
An endotoxin is a toxic molecule found in bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella. It can cause severe fevers, inflammation and sepsis.
The FDA stated: ‘There is reasonable probability that injectable products with elevated endotoxin levels could cause significant medical events including fevers, hypotension, inflammatory reactions, anaphylactic shock and death.’
As of August 19, Optimal Balance Pharmacy has received reports of adverse events from people using the product.
Neither the company nor the FDA released how many incidents have been reported, but they include fever, chills, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, pain and symptoms consistent with an allergic reaction.
The injectible was shipped to prescribers and directly to consumers in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Washington.
Glutathione injections are often used to help fight cell damage, support the immune system and clear toxins from the liver.
The FDA announced that Optimal Balance Pharmacy is recalling its compounded glutathione 200 mg/mL (30 mL) multi-dose vials after the pharmacy’s own testing detected elevated bacterial endotoxin levels
Optimal Balance Pharmacy is notifying customers and working to retrieve and properly dispose of the recalled products.
The company is a compounding pharmacy, meaning it prepares customized medications by combining ingredients to meet individual patient needs.
Unlike FDA-approved drugs, compounded medications are not reviewed for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they reach patients.
For people who currently have a recalled injectible, they should immediately stop using it and contact their prescriber or the company.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that occurs naturally in every cell of the human body. It is composed of three amino acids – cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid – and plays a vital role in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.
In addition to its antioxidant properties, glutathione supports the immune system, helps the liver remove heavy metals and other toxins and is involved in DNA production and tissue repair.
Injectable glutathione is often marketed in wellness clinics and med spas for a range of off-label uses, including skin lightening, anti-aging, detoxification, and immune support.
Because oral glutathione is poorly absorbed, injections are promoted as a more effective way to reach therapeutic levels.
The injectible was shipped to prescribers and directly to consumers in 14 states. Glutathione injections are often used to help fight cell damage , support the immune system and clear toxins from the liver
However, the FDA has not reviewed or approved any injectable glutathione product for safety or effectiveness for these purposes.
The evidence base for these uses remains thin, and medical organizations have cautioned against off-label use because of limited clinical evidence and significant health risks.
Limited oversight of compounded injectables makes them vulnerable to contamination.
Endotoxins are toxic molecules found in the outer membrane of bacteria like E. coli. They are not the bacteria themselves, meaning a product can pass a sterility test and still be dangerous. Heat does not destroy them.
The risk depends on how the product enters the body. Swallowing endotoxins is generally harmless, but injecting them into the bloodstream triggers an immediate and aggressive immune response. Reactions can begin within minutes.
The FDA warns that injectable products with elevated endotoxin levels can cause fevers, hypotension, inflammatory reactions, anaphylactic shock, and death.
Symptoms typically appear within minutes to hours and include fever, shaking chills, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, body aches and rapid heartbeat.
Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing, throat or facial swelling, chest pain, fainting, confusion, a rapidly spreading rash, or a sudden fever above 102 degrees F.
As of August 19, Optimal Balance Pharmacy has received reports of adverse events from people who used the product but has not disclosed how many incidents have been reported. The reactions include fever, severe headache, nausea, pain and allergic-type symptoms
The Optimal Balance Pharmacy recall comes just two weeks after a separate Texas pharmacy recalled three lots of the same injectable glutathione product for the exact same reason – elevated bacterial endotoxin levels.
A single isolated recall can be seen as a manufacturing slip. Two separate pharmacies failing on the same measure for the same product within weeks points to a potential problem further up the supply chain.
This pattern has raised regulatory questions. Glutathione is not listed as an approved ingredient for compounding by the FDA and is regulated as a dietary supplement rather than a pharmaceutical drug.
The fallout from the first recall has already begun. A Texas woman has filed a lawsuit against the pharmacy, alleging she was hospitalized after receiving an IV infusion from one of the recalled lots.
The lawsuit claims she experienced head and neck pressure, uncontrollable shaking, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure within minutes of the infusion, requiring ambulance transport and a multi-day hospital stay.
The lawsuit has not been heard in court and the pharmacy has not publicly responded.