The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) said it is concerned about the increased sales of weight loss products made available to the public via websites, social media platforms and other informal channels.

According to SAPHRA, these products pose a serious health risk to the public. The authority has thus cautioned citizens not to purchase and/or consume such products as their safety, efficacy and quality have not been assessed. The list of products includes Ozempic and Mounjaro, which are registered in South Africa for the treatment of adults with Type 2 Diabetes and NOT for weight management.

“SAHPRA is concerned that medicines indicated for Type 2 Diabetes treatment and management are being falsified and compounded, using possibly substandard active ingredients and being sold to unsuspecting desperate members of the public as supposed weight loss drugs,” said SAHPRA spokesperson Madimetja Mashishi.

A LIST OF COMPANIES/WEBSITES THAT WERE FOUND TO BE SELLING UNAUTHORISED OR FALSIFIED VERSIONS OF SEMAGLUTIDE AND TIRZAPETIDE

The Authority is urging the public to report the illicit sale of these items.

“SAHPRA calls on members of the public to steer clear and substandard products and to purchase only registered products through lawful channels in the interest of their own health. The public may report suspected falsified products and their peddlers to SAHPRA through the SAHPRA website or by calling 0800 204 307,” added Mashishi.

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