Confused kids are buying sex-swap drugs ONLINE without a prescription
NHS rules say drugs should not available to anyone under 18, but at least two British teens have ordered pills
CONFUSED kids are buying sex-swap drugs online, the Sun on Sunday can reveal.
We found chemists peddling dangerous hormone pills without a prescription.
NHS rules say the drugs should not be available to anyone under 16.
But charity bosses revealed at least two British 15-year-olds ordered pills using their parents’ credit cards.
Susie Green, of Mermaids Charity which helps kids with gender issues, said: “They did it out of desperation, but you never know what you’re getting online and are putting yourself at risk.”
One of the main traders in transgender medicines, including Androcur and Estrofem, is Hong Kong-based United Pharmacies. It boasts: “A prescription is not required as we are an Oceania-based company and operate under different laws.”
related stories
Dr Helen Webberley, who treats transgender children in Wales, said: “A drug like Androcur should never be available to a child — it could cause damage to their kidneys.
“Progesterone is liked by the self-medicators because it might give them bigger bosoms but we as doctors in the UK would never prescribe it. You could get blood clots.
“Teenagers are buying this stuff and it’s really bad.”
North London’s Tavistock and Portman Clinic is the only NHS clinic in England and Wales for transgender under-18s. Director Dr Polly Carmichael said: “There needs to be careful consideration before taking the plunge.”