A woman in Northern Ireland received fines amounting to £600 yesterday after pleading guilty to six charges of breaching UK medicines regulations.

Nadine Poole of Lisburn was fined at a magistrate's court for unlawfully advertising prescription medicines and the possession of unlicensed prescription medicines for onward supply. 

An investigation by the Department of Health’s medicines regulatory group (MRG) had previously established that Ms Poole published online advertisements on her ‘Doll House Beauty’ social media pages “which promoted or were likely to lead to the use of” the prescription medicine Botox in September and October 2023. 

On November 29, an MRG enforcement officer inspected a premises in Bangor where Ms Poole was offering treatments. Unlicensed medicinal products including Botox, Lidocaine, sodium chloride and hyaluronidase were seized by MRG officials.

Peter Moore, the DH medicines enforcement official who led the investigation, commented: “Today’s conviction sends a clear message that there are consequences for those who bypass the regulated system which is in place to ensure the integrity of the medicines supply chain. 

“Social media platforms can offer a powerful advertising tool, but those who use them to advertise prescription medicines must comply with the legal requirements which are in place to safeguard the public from harm and unlicensed medicines. 

“I would encourage cosmetic clinics and other similar outlets to review their websites and social media material to ensure that they remain in compliance with the law and to avoid any enforcement action.” 

Canice Ward, head of the medicines regulatory group, said the DH is “committed to taking all possible steps to combat the illegal promotion, supply or misuse of medicines”. 

“It is important that those who choose to buy medication online should take steps to make sure they are purchasing from safe and legitimate sources,” said Ms Ward.