Doctors warn against counterfeit GLP-1 weight-loss drugs after SAHPRA alert

The usage of counterfeit GLP-1 drugs for weight loss has been flagged again, with some doctors echoing a strong call for caution by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

Physician Dr Marius Wasserfall is warning the public against using unlicensed, counterfeit drugs that have been found to contain insulin and various other forms of drugs.

ALSO READ: SAHPRA warns against illegal GLP-1 products on social media

He’s added that numerous cases of hospitalised patients have been recorded, with many experiencing a drop in blood sugar.

He said internationally, some of the questionable drugs have resulted in deaths.

"You should not use any products that is not given to your doctor, or rather, you should not use any products without a prescription from your doctor. You need to assess all the risks associated, discuss the risks with your patient, and then give a specific script for a specific drug that is indicated according to the current best practice national and international guidelines."

Wasserfall added that the drugs are currently in phase three of their trial in the United States (US) and have not yet been approved for medical use.

"We are currently in South Africa seeing products that is still in phase three trials in the United States suddenly becoming available in South Africa. It's not even registered by the FDA in the United States, yet people are buying it in South Africa. These are all clearly compound and counterfeits, untested, unreliable, and definitely not to be purchased by the public."

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