Our Dedicated GP, Dr Helen, Was A Guest On BBC Radio 5

Dr Helen Webberley, Oxford Online Pharmacy's dedicated GP, was a guest on BBC Radio 5 Live's 5 Live Drive on April 21st.

Speaking about the dangers of ordering counterfeit diet pills online, in the wake of the tragic death of the 21-year old student, Eloise Parry, Dr Helen discussed the dangers of DNP (dinitrophenol), the highly toxic active ingredient believed to be responsible.

Dr Helen explained the importance of using a legitimate and trusted online pharmacy and advised listeners to check the credentials of the company when ordering pharmaceuticals online.

Dr Webberley commented: 'The only licensed prescription medication in the UK is Orlistat/Xenical, and this should only be used in combination with healthy eating and exercise. Other drugs used to be used but have since been banned due to safety concerns. DNP (dinitrophenol) has never been approved for human use and has caused numerous deaths. People are turning more and more to the Internet to get medical advice and prescriptions, and people must be sure that the treatment they are receiving is given by qualified and regulated doctors and pharmacists.'

'If you are buying prescription-only medication without a prescription, then it is illegal and potentially very dangerous. Remote healthcare can be very convenient and very safe when accessed properly, but people need to be doubly careful that the healthcare professionals they have access to are properly qualified and licensed to provide this service.'

'Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and ask to speak to the pharmacist or doctor that is treating you. Ask to see their GMC and GPhC registration and check that they are safe and legal. Online doctor services are a great adjunct to the overburdened NHS, but there are also a lot of rogue traders selling counterfeit or illegal medication.'

'We need more education in this area to help patients access healthcare on the Internet safely. If anyone has any concerns about treatment they have received or would like to obtain on the Internet, then please ask our doctor and pharmacist today.'

You can listen to the entire conversation below: