Ready For Greater Weight Loss Medication Compliance?

Regulations around weight loss medication prescriptions have changed, and pharmacies need to keep up! The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has introduced stricter rules to ensure patient safety, particularly for online prescriptions of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy and Mounjaro. If you’re a pharmacy offering weight loss treatments, it’s time to adapt.

Previously, online pharmacies could prescribe weight loss medications based on an online form or a phone call. Now, that’s no longer enough. Pharmacies must verify a patient’s weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) independently before prescribing. This means conducting video consultations at a minimum, ideally in person verification. The goal is to prevent misuse and ensure medications are only given to patients who genuinely need them.

So, how can you stay compliant while still providing a smooth experience for patients? The answer lies in setting up better online systems, improving record-keeping with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, and using local SEO to attract patients looking for trustworthy weight loss services near you.

Set Up Online Systems to Manage Verification Appointments

With the new rules, pharmacies must now confirm patient details through video consultations and work with GPs to ensure patient safety. This adds an extra step, but it doesn’t have to slow things down. A well-structured online booking system can make the process seamless and help keep your pharmacy running smoothly.

By allowing patients to book video consultations online, you can manage appointments efficiently without the need for back-and-forth phone calls. Patients can select a time that suits them, and your pharmacists can ensure all necessary checks are completed before issuing a prescription.

An online system also helps pharmacies track consultations, reducing admin time and making compliance easier. Automated appointment reminders can improve attendance rates and keep things running smoothly.

Use a CRM to Manage Records and Verification Details

A CRM system isn’t just for large businesses, it’s ideal for pharmacies looking to stay compliant by keeping things organised. With the new verification rules in place, tracking patient details has never been more important and with a CRM you can automatically track patients as they move through the system, making sure you don’t forget any key verification activities.

This level of organisation doesn’t just help with compliance. It improves patient experience, making it easier for them to return for repeat weight loss prescriptions and trust your service.

Stand Out with Local SEO to Attract More Patients

The weight loss medication market is competitive, and with tighter regulations, patients will be looking for pharmacies that make the process as smooth as possible. That’s where standing out at a local level really helps. With it becoming the norm that patients will have to be seen in person in some cases, it’s more appealing to go to the pharmacy nearest to them.

When patients search for “weight loss pharmacy near me” or “Mounjaro prescriptions in [your town],” you want your pharmacy to appear at the top of the search results. To achieve this, you need to optimise your online presence.

We can help you be seen with our local SEO for pharmacies service. We will optimise your website for local search and services, help you manage your Google Business Profile to attract reviews and promote services and help you stand out from the competition with a modern and easy to use website.

Why Compliance Matters Now More Than Ever

The crackdown on online weight loss prescriptions is a response to growing concerns over patient safety. With high demand for medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro, regulators want to ensure these treatments are only prescribed when appropriate. Pharmacies that fail to follow the new rules risk fines, reputation damage, or even losing the ability to offer weight loss treatments altogether.

That’s why taking the right steps now is essential. Pharmacies that implement verification systems will not only stay compliant but also stand out as reliable providers in a growing market.

Make Compliance an Opportunity, Not a Challenge

While stricter rules may seem like a hurdle, they can actually be an opportunity. By adapting quickly and making the verification process as simple as possible for patients, your pharmacy can build trust and attract more customers.

Investing in online booking systems makes your service more efficient, improves patient experience, and gives you an edge over competitors who are slower to adjust.

If you’re looking for help setting up these systems, we can guide you through the process. Whether it’s creating a seamless online booking system, integrating a CRM, or optimising your pharmacy’s website for local search, we’ve got you covered.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help your pharmacy stay ahead of the game!