Arabic model: وصفة دواء GLP-1 عبر الرعاية الصحية عن بُعد تجدد الدعوات إلى رقابة أشد
In keeping with ABC News, an Australian girl with a historical past of anorexia nervosa was prescribed an Ozempic-like weight-loss drug by way of a telehealth supplier, prompting specialists and an unbiased MP to name for stronger oversight of on-line prescribing.
The girl, recognized as Kate, mentioned she had been managing her situation with a GP and wider healthcare group after her final hospitalisation in 2022. After seeing an Instagram commercial from an unnamed telehealth clinic late final 12 months, she booked an internet appointment. She mentioned she was not screened for an consuming dysfunction, admitted she had offered false well being particulars throughout a telephone session, and obtained a prescription after a blood take a look at and a second telephone appointment.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, together with Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, can help with weight regulation and persistent well being situations. However specialists warned the medicine will also be used to gasoline or preserve consuming issues, doubtlessly inflicting severe dietary deficits and problems. Sarah Trobe of the Nationwide Consuming Dysfunction Collaboration mentioned screening for consuming issues was, “for probably the most half,” not taking place.
Australia has no endorsed nationwide requirements for digital care, although requirements being developed by a federal authorities committee are usually not anticipated till the tip of subsequent 12 months. Kooyong unbiased Monique Ryan mentioned 2027 could be too late and has requested Federal Well being Minister Mark Butler for an inquiry into telehealth providers, together with oversight of prescribing patterns for high-risk medication lessons.
The Australian Well being Practitioner Regulation Company mentioned practitioners ought to conduct complete assessments, together with for affected person vulnerability, earlier than prescribing remedy. It additionally mentioned prescribers of weight-loss medicines ought to take into account disordered consuming and body-image considerations, and recognise that telehealth isn’t appropriate for each session. Kate has stopped utilizing the medicine with assist from her common GP.