SAHPRA warns of GLP-1 products promoted to assist with weight loss

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has cautioned the public against purchasing or using GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) products that are being promoted and sold on various social media platforms. These products are being promoted to assist with weight loss.

COURTESY - SAHPRA: Warning of ad on social media

SAHPRA says it has discovered that the sellers of these products are not based in South Africa, after 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.

‘’The products are being shipped from China via post offices, not from a warehouse in Johannesburg or Cape Town, as stated in the advertisements. The shipped products are not identical to the advertised products.  SAHPRA has not approved any oral GLP-1 solution for consumption,’’ said Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, SAHPRA CEO.

‘’SAHPRA urges the public to exercise caution when they are buying medicines online, from unknown websites or social media pages, as these medicines may contain dangerous/harmful ingredients that might not be disclosed to the patients by the seller. Patients should only buy prescribed medicines from licensed and reputable pharmacies. A list of medicines registered in South Africa can be found on the SAHPRA website,’’ he added.

SAHPRA further warned that the unauthorised selling, distribution, or advertising of medicines not registered with SAHPRA is illegal.

“Safeguarding the well-being of the South African public remains a primary concern for the regulatory authority. SAHPRA is monitoring the supply chain as well as the online platforms for unregistered, substandard, and falsified medicines containing or claiming to contain GLP-1 Substances,” said Semete-Makokotlela.

Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious medicine sales or false claims of SAHPRA approval. You can report through these whistleblower platforms, SAHPRA’s 24-hour hotline (0800 204 307)

 

Done By: Mitchum George