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Unlicensed Medicines Policy

Last updated: March 2026

At The London Weight Loss Clinic, patient safety and regulatory compliance are central to our clinical practice.

In certain circumstances, a clinician may prescribe an unlicensed medicine when a patient has a specific clinical need that cannot be met by a licensed medicine.

Unlicensed medicines are sometimes referred to as "Specials."

Legal Framework

Unlicensed medicines may be prescribed in accordance with:

Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (Regulation 167)

This permits supply where:

  • A patient has a special clinical need
  • A licensed medicine does not meet that need

Prescribing Principles

Our clinicians will only consider an unlicensed medicine when:

  • 1The patient has undergone a full clinical consultation
  • 2Licensed medicines have been considered first
  • 3The prescriber determines that the patient has a specific clinical need
  • 4The patient has been informed that the medicine is unlicensed

Patient Information and Consent

Patients must be informed that:

  • •The medicine does not have a UK marketing authorisation
  • •The medicine has not been assessed by the MHRA in the same way as licensed medicines
  • •The prescriber believes it is appropriate based on the patient's clinical needs

Written informed consent is obtained prior to prescribing.

Supply of Unlicensed Medicines

Unlicensed medicines are supplied through appropriately licensed manufacturers and pharmacies in accordance with UK medicines legislation.

The clinic itself does not manufacture medicines.

Clinical Monitoring

Patients receiving treatment are monitored through:

  • •Follow-up consultations
  • •Clinical assessment
  • •Safety monitoring

Pharmacovigilance

Suspected adverse reactions are reported through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme where appropriate.

Record Keeping

The clinic maintains records relating to:

  • •Patient consultation
  • •Prescribing decision
  • •Informed consent
  • •Supply and monitoring

Clinical records are retained in accordance with UK healthcare record retention requirements.

Governance

The clinic periodically reviews its prescribing practices and policies to ensure continued compliance with:

  • •UK medicines legislation
  • •Professional regulatory guidance
  • •Clinical governance standards