Consumers are being urged to exercise caution when purchasing medicines, injectable peptides and other health and wellness products online, through social media or from unverified suppliers.

From weight-loss injections to products promising faster recovery, muscle growth and anti-ageing benefits, the Bermuda Health Council has sounded the alarm over substances that are becoming increasingly easy to purchase.

Ricky Brathwaite, chief executive of the council, said: “We’ve been discussing these concerns for some time now, and rather than seeing the problem go away, we’re seeing more of these products becoming readily available.

“People may be purchasing and using substances without any real assurance of what’s in them, whether they’re safe or whether they even work.

“Some of these products are not specifically addressed in our existing regulatory schedules, creating challenges for oversight and consumer protection.”

The council cited one recent example as retatrutide, an experimental weight-loss medicine still undergoing clinical trials.

Despite not being approved for general medical use, products claiming to contain retatrutide are already being sold online and through other outlets.

Mr Brathwaite said he “understood” why people would be tempted to purchase medicines this way.

He added: “With the cost of living and healthcare being what they are, finding a product online or overseas at a fraction of the price can seem like a very practical solution.

“Someone might travel abroad, discover that a medicine appears much cheaper and decide to order it themselves rather than seeking care when they return to Bermuda. We understand those pressures, and we aren’t here to judge those decisions.

“But the last thing we want is to remain silent while someone unknowingly puts their health at risk and suffers a serious outcome that might have been prevented.”

The council said it was particularly concerned about products labelled “for research use only” or “not for human consumption” that are nevertheless being promoted.

Consumers were encouraged to ask:

• What am I buying? Is it an approved medicine or an experimental substance?

• Where did it come from? Is the manufacturer or supplier reputable and verifiable?

• Has it been tested? Is there reliable evidence of its quality, safety and effectiveness?

• Is it right for me? Have I discussed it with a registered healthcare professional?