'They have severe adverse effects': SAHPRA on the sale of fake GLP-1 products

GLP-1 medications are used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity, mostly administered as injections. The most well-known one is probably Ozempic, which has become commonly used for weight loss.

But the high cost has created a market for unregistered and unsafe versions of these medications, largely sold on social media platforms. These products are not tested or regulated in South Africa.

Regulatory compliance officer at the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), Coceka Ntlantla said: "The products come from China, and some buyers don't even receive the products in the first place."

As for what specific ingredients these fake substitutes contain, Ntlantla said that testing was currently underway, but that they can "have severe adverse effects".

These drugs are also supposed to be kept refrigerated, which does not happen if they are sent from overseas.

Ntlantla further warned that one needs a prescription from a licensed health professional for this type of medication, which is categorised as S4, and to be monitored by a doctor while on the treatment.

"Anything above S3 is supposed to be scripted on a prescription, and then you go to a registered pharmacy."

SAHPRA has also become aware of companies and individuals illegally marketing GLP-1 products online, and falsely claiming to be affiliated with or authorised by SAHPRA and some of South Africa’s major retail pharmacies. Find out more from SAHPRA here.

To listen to Ntlantla in conversation with CapeTalk's Clarence Ford, click below: